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Quizzes > Business & Finance

US Workplace Harassment Quiz: Spot, Report, and Prevent Misconduct

Quick, free workplace discrimination quiz to check policy knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Larissa ConsoleUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting a quiz on Workplace Harassment Compliance

This US workplace harassment quiz helps you check how to spot misconduct, follow policy, and report issues. You will see your strengths and gaps in minutes, then go deeper with the sexual harassment assessment, microaggression in the workplace quiz, and diversity and inclusion quiz today.

What best defines workplace harassment?
Regular feedback sessions
Strict monitoring of employee performance
Organized team-building activities
Unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics
Workplace harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct related to protected traits. It becomes an issue when it interferes with work performance or creates a hostile atmosphere.
Which of the following is an example of sexual harassment in the workplace?
A manager asking an employee for sexual favors in exchange for a promotion
Giving an employee constructive performance feedback
Allowing flexible work hours
Organizing a team lunch on Friday
Sexual harassment includes demands for sexual favors tied to employment decisions. Other options describe normal workplace practices that are not harassment.
Harassment based on race, gender, religion, or similar traits is called what?
Sexual harassment
Performance management
Discrimination or protected class harassment
General workplace conflict
Harassment targeting a protected class is discrimination or protected class harassment. Sexual harassment is a subset focused exclusively on sex or gender.
Who holds the primary responsibility for preventing workplace harassment under compliance guidelines?
External consultants
Each individual employee alone
Employers or organizational leadership
Only the human resources department
Employers and organizational leaders are legally responsible for creating and maintaining a harassment-free workplace. They must implement policies and training.
If you witness a coworker making insulting remarks towards another employee, you should:
Ignore it because it's none of your business
Report the behavior to a manager or HR
Join in to avoid feeling left out
Share the incident on social media
Reporting witnessed harassment to management or HR helps address the issue promptly. Ignoring or trivializing can allow harassment to continue.
A coworker repeatedly makes jokes about another employee's accent, creating a hostile environment. This type of harassment is called:
Quid pro quo harassment
Moral harassment
Hostile work environment harassment
Retaliatory harassment
Jokes targeting a protected characteristic that create discomfort are hostile environment harassment. Quid pro quo involves demands tied to job benefits.
What best describes quid pro quo harassment?
Demanding sexual favors in exchange for job benefits
Physical bullying over lunch
Confidential reporting of harassment
Unwanted verbal insults unrelated to work
Quid pro quo harassment involves trading workplace opportunities for sexual favors. Other options do not involve such an exchange.
Under most workplace harassment policies, what is the first step after receiving a formal complaint?
Announcing the complaint to the entire team
Ignoring the complaint until more reports arise
Immediately terminating the accused
Conducting a prompt and confidential investigation
An immediate, confidential investigation is required to assess facts. Premature actions or public disclosures can violate due process.
After a harassment investigation confirms a violation, what should an employer do next?
Take corrective action to stop the behavior and prevent recurrence
Publicly shame the accused employee
Transfer the complainant to another department
File a non-disclosure agreement with the complainant
Employers must correct the behavior and prevent future incidents. Shaming or silencing the complainant is not compliant with best practices.
What constitutes retaliation in the context of workplace harassment?
Providing positive feedback after a complaint
Taking adverse action against someone for reporting harassment
Scheduling additional training sessions
Offering support to the complainant
Retaliation happens when someone faces negative consequences for reporting harassment. Supportive actions are not retaliation.
Which scenario qualifies as cyber harassment in the workplace?
Organizing a virtual team-building activity
Scheduling an online training session
Sending unsolicited offensive messages via email to a colleague
Emailing project updates to the team
Unwanted, offensive digital communications are cyber harassment. Legitimate work-related emails are not harassment.
Which of the following is a key strategy for preventing workplace harassment?
Leaving investigations entirely to the complainant
Allowing informal complaints only
Regularly training employees on harassment policies
Discouraging employees from reporting small incidents
Regular training raises awareness and reinforces policy. Discouraging reports or informal-only channels undermines prevention.
Which federal agency is primarily responsible for enforcing workplace harassment laws in the United States?
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and harassment. OSHA handles safety standards, not harassment laws.
A supervisor offers to increase an employee's workload if they refuse to go on a date, and promises a promotion if they agree. What type of harassment does this represent?
Quid pro quo sexual harassment
Hostile work environment
General harassment
Retaliation
That scenario is classic quid pro quo sexual harassment, where job benefits are tied to sexual compliance. Hostile environment involves pervasive unwelcome conduct.
An employee is afraid to report harassment because they fear losing their job. What compliance guideline protects this employee?
Anti-retaliation policy provisions
Performance evaluation guidelines
Dress code policy
Workplace safety protocols
Anti-retaliation provisions ensure employees can report in good faith without fear of adverse actions. Other policies are unrelated to reporting protections.
Two employees routinely hug each other at work without any issues. A new team member feels uncomfortable but has not said anything. Is this considered harassment?
Only if the uncomfortable person files a written complaint
Yes, any physical contact without clear consent can be harassment
Only if it interferes with job performance
No, hugging is acceptable if it's common practice
Harassment includes unwanted physical contact regardless of intent or frequency. Consent is essential, and discomfort alone can establish an issue.
During a team meeting, someone tells an off-color joke about a protected group and most team members laugh. One person feels offended. Does this violate policy?
Only if it is repeated after a formal warning
Yes, a single incident that offends a protected group member can create a hostile environment
Only if the offended person threatens legal action
No, it's acceptable if most people found it funny
Harassment policies protect each individual's right to a respectful environment. A joke about a protected class can violate policy even if others don't object.
What documentation must an employer maintain to demonstrate compliance with harassment laws?
Records of complaints, investigations, and training attendance
Employee travel itineraries
Personal medical records of all employees
Copies of employee social media posts
Employers need to keep detailed records of complaints, investigation outcomes, and proof of policy training. Other records are unrelated to compliance.
When analyzing multiple harassment case studies to identify prevention gaps, the best approach is to:
Review patterns of incidents and revise policies and training accordingly
Limit feedback to senior management only
Archive previous cases without action
Focus solely on individual discipline
Identifying recurring patterns helps organizations strengthen policies and training. Solely disciplining individuals ignores systemic issues.
Which action exemplifies an employer fulfilling its legal responsibilities to prevent harassment?
Promptly addressing complaints, conducting investigations, and taking corrective action
Only disciplining employees if a lawsuit is filed
Allowing managers to handle complaints informally without oversight
Publishing a general anti-harassment statement annually
Effective compliance requires timely response to complaints, thorough investigations, and corrective measures. Merely issuing statements or informal handling is insufficient.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify various forms of workplace harassment and their impact.
  2. Apply compliance guidelines to real-world scenarios.
  3. Evaluate proper reporting procedures for harassment incidents.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of employer responsibilities under the law.
  5. Analyse case studies to recognise policy violations.
  6. Master key prevention strategies to foster a safe environment.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the Definition of Workplace Harassment - Harassment is any unwelcome conduct based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. These actions can create a hostile environment or lead to unfair employment decisions. Think of it like a social speed bump - spot offensive jokes or derogatory images early to steer clear. dol.gov
  2. Recognize the Impact of Harassment on the Workplace - Harassment isn't just mean - it can tank morale, spike turnover, and even trigger costly lawsuits. When negativity spreads like wildfire, productivity and teamwork take a nosedive. Understanding these effects shows why a respectful culture is everyone's victory lap. eeoc.gov
  3. Learn the Key Elements of an Effective Harassment Policy - A rock-solid policy defines prohibited conduct, spells out clear reporting steps, and lists consequences for violators. It should be communicated company-wide and updated regularly to stay fresh and relevant. Treat it like your game rulebook - everyone needs to know the play. eeoc.gov
  4. Understand the Procedures for Reporting Harassment - Employees need multiple, easy-to-access ways to report misconduct, all guarded by confidentiality and anti-retaliation protections. Clear channels empower folks to speak up without fear. Knowing these steps is like having an emergency exit plan - vital for safety and peace of mind. dol.gov
  5. Recognize Employer Responsibilities in Preventing Harassment - Leaders are the referees who set the tone, provide training, and jump into action when complaints roll in. They must investigate thoroughly and fix problems fast. A proactive approach keeps the workplace fair and fun for everyone. eeoc.gov
  6. Analyze Case Studies to Identify Policy Violations - Diving into real-world scenarios helps you spot subtle forms of harassment you might otherwise miss. It's like training your spidey-sense for workplace wrongs. Practice makes perfect when you apply theory to practical puzzles. eeoc.gov
  7. Master Prevention Strategies to Foster a Safe Environment - Regular training, open communication, and crystal-clear policies are your top defense against harassment. Encourage bystander intervention - when everyone looks out for each other, respect becomes contagious. These strategies turn the workplace into a harassment-free zone. eeoc.gov
  8. Understand the Importance of Training for All Employees - Interactive sessions help teams recognize harassment and learn prevention in real time. Tailoring content to your specific workplace keeps it relevant and engaging. Think of training as your culture's fitness routine: the more you do it, the stronger you get. eeoc.gov
  9. Learn About the Consequences of Failing to Address Harassment - Ignoring complaints can lead to legal trouble, hefty fines, and a tarnished reputation. It's like letting a leak go - small issues become big disasters if you don't act. Taking every concern seriously shows your commitment to a safe workplace. dol.gov
  10. Recognize the Role of Leadership in Preventing Harassment - Leaders set the vibe and enforce anti-harassment rules by example. Their dedication motivates everyone to uphold high standards of respect. A supportive boss is like a team coach: when they champion a safe culture, the whole squad wins. eeoc.gov
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