📅 2026 Update: Changes in Verbal Sexual Harassment Laws

Since the original article on verbal sexual harassment was published, several important changes have occurred in workplace laws and practices. These updates affect how businesses handle harassment and compliance. The earlier article continues further down this page, providing background information on verbal sexual harassment.

📋 Overtime Salary Thresholds

In April 2024, a proposal aimed to increase the overtime salary exemption from $684 to $844 per week. This increase was set to take effect on July 1, 2024, and to $1,128 per week on January 1, 2025. However, on November 15, 2024, a federal court reinstated the $684 per week threshold from 2019.

Employers must now comply with this restored threshold for overtime exemptions.

💼 Pay Transparency Laws

By the end of 2025, over 25 states adopted formal pay transparency laws, a significant rise from just 12 states at the beginning of the year. These laws require employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings, which can help address pay equity. Employers should ensure their job postings align with these new requirements.

📖 Harassment Guidance Changes

In January 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rescinded its 2024 Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace. This change clarified that the underlying laws against harassment remain unchanged. Employers must continue to uphold anti-harassment policies in their workplaces.

⚖️ Current Minimum Wage and Exemptions

As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in California increased to $16.90 per hour, up from $16.50 in 2025. Additionally, the minimum annual salary for exempt employees in California rose to $70,304, an increase from $68,400 in 2025. Employers in California need to adjust their payroll practices accordingly.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • $684 per week reinstated as the overtime salary threshold.
  • Over 25 states now have pay transparency laws.
  • EEOC rescinded 2024 harassment guidance but upheld anti-harassment laws.
  • California's minimum wage is $16.90 per hour as of January 2026.
  • Exempt salary threshold in California is now $70,304 annually.

💡 Tips for Addressing Verbal Sexual Harassment

It is important to review your particular situation with your attorney to ensure compliance with the latest laws and guidelines.

🔍 Understand the Definition of Harassment

Employers should familiarize themselves with the legal definition of sexual harassment. This includes verbal harassment, which can create a hostile work environment. Clear definitions help employees understand what behaviors are unacceptable.

🛡️ Implement Clear Policies

Develop and share clear policies on verbal sexual harassment in your workplace. Ensure that these policies are easily accessible to employees. Regularly train staff on these policies to promote a respectful work culture.

🗣️ Provide Training and Resources

Offer training sessions focused on preventing verbal sexual harassment. Use real-life examples to illustrate unacceptable behavior. Providing resources helps employees know how to respond to harassment.

⚠️ Monitor Workplace Dynamics

Employers should actively monitor workplace dynamics to identify potential harassment issues. Encourage employees to speak up about their experiences. Regular feedback can help address issues before they escalate.

📞 Set Up Reporting Mechanisms

Create safe and anonymous reporting mechanisms for employees to report verbal harassment. Assure employees that their complaints will be taken seriously and handled confidentially. This encourages a culture of accountability.

🔄 Review and Update Policies Regularly

Review and update your harassment policies regularly to reflect changes in laws and workplace dynamics. Keeping policies current helps protect both employees and employers. Regular updates show a commitment to a safe work environment.

🏆 Services for Legal Assistance on Workplace Issues Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section outlines various services that support businesses in navigating workplace-related legal issues. These services are ranked based on Trustpilot data from October 2026, which may change over time. Ratings represent user experiences, indicating satisfaction levels.

Unhappy customers often leave more reviews, which can affect the overall score.

🥇 1. LegalShield

LegalShield has been rated 4.4. Known for its legal subscription services, it provides access to a network of attorneys for affordable legal assistance. However, some users report difficulties reaching their assigned attorneys and occasional delays in response times.

🥈 2. Bizee

With a score of 4.8, Bizee specializes in business formation services and compliance assistance. Its strong rating reflects user satisfaction with its services, but some users have noted issues with the platform's user interface and occasional delays in processing.

🥉 3. LegalZoom

LegalZoom holds a 4.6 rating. It is well-known for business formation services and legal document preparation. While many users appreciate its offerings, some have reported delays in processing times and customer support responsiveness.

4️⃣ Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has a rating of 4.5. It offers online legal document creation and business incorporation services. Some users may find its subscription model unsuitable, and others have experienced challenges with the platform's navigation.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

The U.S. Department of Labor provides a Small Entity Compliance Guide to help employers understand and comply with FLSA exemptions. State labor departments and nonprofit organizations also offer guidance on state-specific employment laws, including pay transparency and minimum wage requirements.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Legal Services

  • 📝 Type of services offered (e.g., business formation, legal documents)
  • 📈 Trustpilot score and number of reviews
  • ⏲️ Processing times for services
  • 📞 Customer support responsiveness
  • ⚖️ Specialization in workplace issues, including harassment laws

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What constitutes verbal sexual harassment?

Verbal sexual harassment includes unwelcome comments, jokes, or gestures of a sexual nature. It can create a hostile work environment and is considered illegal under federal and state laws.

⚠️ How can employees report verbal harassment?

Employees should use established reporting mechanisms provided by their employer. These may include anonymous hotlines or designated HR personnel to ensure confidentiality and safety.

📄 What are the consequences for employers who fail to address harassment?

Employers can face legal penalties, including fines and lawsuits, if they do not adequately address harassment claims. This can also lead to a toxic work environment and high employee turnover.

👩‍🏫 How often should harassment training occur?

Employers should provide harassment training at least once a year. Regular updates and training sessions help reinforce policies and keep employees informed about their rights and responsibilities.

🕒 What should I do if I believe I am a victim of verbal harassment?

Victims of verbal harassment should document the incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses. They should report the behavior to a supervisor or HR department as soon as possible.

💼 Are there legal protections for employees against verbal harassment?

Yes, federal and state laws provide protections against verbal harassment in the workplace. Employers are required to take appropriate action to prevent and address such behavior.

⚖️ Recent Cases on Verbal Sexual Harassment

Recent court rulings have highlighted the importance of addressing verbal sexual harassment in the workplace. These rulings reinforce the legal responsibilities of employers to maintain a safe work environment.

Readers can browse more rulings on the news page for the latest updates on workplace harassment cases.

End of October 2026 Update





Verbal sexual harassment can be very hurtful and affect a victim just as seriously as physical and non-verbal harassment. Many times people who make jokes on a regular basis can cross the line with a person. If these jokes turn into constant forms of verbal harassment, a victim can report it as sexual harassment.

Young men and women still in high school or college may experience sexual harassment within their educational institutions. In the workplace a victim may experience the same things. Some common verbal harassment includes: 

Calling someone out of there name by using words like, sexy, sweetie, baby, love, juicy, fine, and alike;

Verbal Sexual Harassment

Whistling at someone, or making sexual noises at someone;

Sexual statements;

Making every conversation about sex or sexual things;

Joking with a person using sexual context;

Inquiring about a persons sexual activities, fantasies, or past;

Verbalizing they want to enter a person's sexual activities;

Addressing a person with kissing noises or sexual calls;

Complimenting a persons clothing or demeanor in a sexual context;

Inviting someone out on a date over and over again;

Spreading sexual stories or rumors about a person. 

Many times a person is unaware that verbal harassment is taking place. There are many things that someone can do to avoid having to endure it. A victim can confront the harasser and politely ask them to stop and explain how uncomfortable they may feel. This works since it may make a person feel silly and embarrassed for causing someone grief. This is also a good way to avoid ruining a person’s life without first trying to resolve the issue.

Oftentimes people may not realize they are even harassing a person. If the problem persists, a victim may then report the harassment to a superior or administrator. If the situation is not resolved at that level, a victim might have to take legal action.  

Sexual verbal harassment can be demonstrated in a way that it does not violate the law, but it still makes a person feel uncomfortable. When this happens it is harder for victims to prove that the harassment is real. This can sometimes lead to the harasser believing they can continuously offend and not be reprimanded. In this instance, a victim might want to read up on the verbal harassment and hire an attorney.