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What Constitutes Harassment by a CEO in California? [2025 Update] 

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Harassment by a CEO in California may resemble harassment by a coworker, supervisor, or other individual you interact with on the job. There may be differences in the types of harassment as well. Below, we look at what constitutes harassment by a CEO in the workplace. A San Francisco discrimination and harassment attorney at the Armstrong Law Firm can explain your legal options and right to file a claim.

Harassment by a CEO in the Workplace

Any action that targets an employee based on a protected characteristic is a form of discrimination known as harassment. A CEOmay harasses an employee when targeting an employee because of the following characteristics:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy
  • National origin
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Genetic information

These discriminatory actions are unlawful when they create a hostile work environment, and an employee must endure the behavior as part of employment. The behavior is also unlawful when it escalates to the point that a reasonable person would find it abusive, intimidating, or hostile. A team member can discuss how to handle harassment by C-level employees.

What Forms Harassment by a CEO May Take

Harassment takes a variety of unwanted forms. These behaviors may be considered harassment:

  • Sexual, racial, or derogatory jokes, comments, or slurs
  • Inappropriate or unwanted touching
  • Mocking an individual’s race, accent, or beliefs
  • Intolerance for another individual’s choices or preferences
  • Engaging in gossip or spreading rumors about someone’s sexual orientation
  • Making decisions about an individual’s employment based on a protected characteristic
  • Exclusion from a work setting

Harassment by a CEO may leave you feeling you have little recourse. Documenting your claim and working with a harassment attorney in San Francisco can provide a confidential environment to discuss your experience.

Quid Pro Quo

A company’s CEO holds a powerful position and often possesses the ability to cause or encourage changes in an employee’s status in the workplace. Quid pro quo applies to individuals in positions of power requesting a favor. In return for the favor, a CEO may promise an employee the following:

Employees have the right to file a complaint with Human Resources and a governmental agency without fearing retaliation. Like harassment, retaliation takes multiple forms and significantly impacts the work environment.

New Laws in California Protect Employees from Intimidation

Subjecting employees to an employer or CEO’s political or religious affiliations is now being addressed. Establishing the California Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act protects employees from any adverse reaction, such as harassment, when they choose to abstain from employer meetings that promote a political or religious affiliation. Employees may not lose their jobs, face retaliation, or be discriminated against due to their choice.

Discuss the mandatory attendance of any meeting by a CEO that addresses political or religious affiliations with our experienced team. Complex state and federal laws apply to harassment incidents. Your legal options and the time limits to file a claim vary.

Discuss an Incident of Harassment by a California CEO

Harassment by C-level officials can leave you feeling hopeless and at a loss for legal options. The Armstrong Law Firm protects the rights of employees through the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. Learn more about our intake process today.