Most people recognize that sexual harassment is illegal and inappropriate. However, they may struggle to recognize when they experience harassment in the workplace. People may not want to rock the boat or put their future professional development at risk by speaking up about conduct that may not meet the standard of sexual harassment.
What constitutes sexual harassment depends in part on the way that the targeted party perceives the conduct of others. That being said, there are certain types of sexual harassment that are relatively common. Any of the five workplace experiences below might constitute sexual harassment.
Quid pro quo harassment
Some people try to use their authority in the workplace for personal gain. A supervisor might offer a subordinate a promotion if they agree to provide certain favors. Other times, a manager might threaten a worker with workplace consequences if they reject unwanted advances. Quid pro quo harassment turns an individual’s career ambitions against them by forcing them to compromise their ethics or their career development.
Sexually explicit language or images
Some coworkers create a very uncomfortable environment for others. They might post pictures of pin-up models in their cubicles or forward racy emails to everyone in the department. Professionals should not have to tolerate regular exposure to sexually explicit images, videos or language in the workplace.
Unwanted touching or advances
Coworkers can pat each other on the back or hug without it being sexual harassment. However, when one person is uncomfortable, others should give them space and accept their boundaries. When coworkers or supervisors touch someone without their consent, especially in a sexual manner, that may constitute harassment. Similarly, flirting and advances can cross the line into harassment if the other party does not stop when informed of an individual’s disinterest or discomfort.
Leering and unwanted sexualization
Coworkers can make an individual feel uncomfortable with an overtly sexual gaze and suggestive facial expressions. They may look someone up and down in an approving or disapproving fashion that makes the other party feel very uncomfortable. Others might make repeated and unwanted comments about someone’s body, often focusing on their secondary sex characteristics. Particularly when such conduct continues after an individual expresses their boundaries, it may constitute sexual harassment.
Regular unwanted attention
Sexual harassment may involve certain coworkers constantly trying to flirt with one person. It can also entail multiple coworkers creating a hostile work environment where they single out one person for mistreatment and abuse. If that unwanted attention makes an individual uncomfortable to the point where they dread going into work, the conduct of other people at the company may have crossed the line and become sexual harassment.
Particularly in scenarios where employers ignore complaints about misconduct or punish employees who report sexual harassment, the targeted worker may have grounds for a lawsuit. Holding businesses accountable for ignoring or even encouraging sexual harassment can help people assert themselves and change the culture at a company.