Most people know that workplace sexual harassment is illegal. However, they may struggle to define sexual harassment or give clear examples of it. Typically, there are two different types of sexual harassment. People who learn about what constitutes sexual harassment are in the best position possible to stand up for themselves and hold employers accountable for violating their basic rights.
What does sexual harassment typically involve?
Quid pro quo harassment
The form of sexual harassment most people understand is quid pro quo harassment. It is a form of harassment where someone in a position of authority harasses someone else at the company. Quid pro quo harassment may involve threatening work penalties for refusing to provide sexual favors. It could also involve offering job-related benefits for acquiescing to inappropriate requests.
Hostile work environments
Sexual harassment does not necessarily have to occur between people of opposite sexes or even involve romantic overtures. Coworkers can create a hostile work environment by targeting an individual on the basis of their sex for abuse in the workplace.
If other people might agree that tolerating untenable misconduct has become a requirement for keeping a job, then an employer may have allowed a hostile work environment to negatively impact an employee. It is worth noting that sexual harassment can also potentially come from customers or clients, not just supervisors or coworkers.
Fighting back against workplace sexual harassment often begins with recognizing it and then documenting it. Workers shouldn’t have to put up with overt mistreatment or unwanted advances just to keep their jobs. If companies don’t address sexual harassment complaints, workers may have grounds to take legal action against their employers.