Several years I worked with a man who was this vibrant, funny, gregarious guy. He knew his job in and out and you could always count on him to help you out in a pinch. He had been at the company for years and was generally well-liked and respected. Then, one day, he told an inappropriate joke to a co-worker. The joke wasn't about her, he didn't mean to offend... but offend he did. It was unprofessional and out-and-out wrong for him to tell that joke. The company had a zero tolerance policy and he was fired. For sexual harassment. Myself and many co-workers were shocked and outraged because we knew this guy didn't mean to offend. But, with an admirable grace, the man who was just fired apologized for having poor judgment and stated that "working for a company that takes such a strong stance against sexual abuse is a good place to be."

Sexual harassment has become less and less acceptable in the workplace. But another type of harassment exists. One that is still allowable in many work environments, but yet even schools recognize the effects of it. Bullying. Plain old bullying. According to a Canadian study bullying, constant criticism, and incivility can be more harmful to employees than sexual abuse.

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