Calling Women Offensive Names Is Workplace Misconduct

Introduction

Workplaces across the world continue to grapple with the challenges of maintaining dignity, equality, and respect for all employees. Although many employers claim to foster inclusive environments, reality often reveals a different story—where biases, stereotypes, and casual “banter” cross professional boundaries and cause significant emotional harm. Courts and tribunals globally are increasingly sending a strong message: harassment of any kind will not be tolerated, and employers must take proactive steps to protect their workforce.

A recent UK Employment Tribunal judgment delivered on November 26, 2025, serves as a striking example.

The Tribunal awarded £20,735.91 (approximately INR 29 lakhs) in compensation to an Irish woman who suffered repeated racial harassment at the hands of her company’s director. The Tribunal found that the company’s director repeatedly targeted her Irish heritage through mocking slurs- including “potato”, “Paddy”, “stupid Paddy” and “pikey”.