Workplace harassment is defined by unwanted behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating environment for the employee. Such behavior can take many forms, including verbal, physical, or psychological actions that are offensive, belittling, or threatening. The key aspect of harassment is that it is not welcomed; it is behavior that the recipient finds distressing or harmful and that negatively affects their ability to perform their job or feel safe within the workplace.
In contrast, friendly teasing among coworkers can often be part of healthy workplace relationships, provided it is mutual and both parties are comfortable with it. Criticisms from management, while potentially difficult to hear, are typically part of performance feedback and not inherently harassing if delivered appropriately. Meanwhile, disagreements between coworkers do not equate to harassment unless they escalate to behaviors that are unwelcome and create a hostile environment. Thus, the definition of workplace harassment centers around the presence of unwanted behavior that disrupts the employee's sense of safety and well-being in the workplace, making the chosen answer the most accurate representation of workplace harassment.