Some types of sexual harassment can feel fairly obvious. One example could be unwanted touching, where a coworker makes unnecessary and undesired physical contact in a way that makes another worker uncomfortable. Another example could be quid pro quo sexual harassment, where a worker is offered benefits on the job, such as a raise or a promotion, in exchange for sexual favors.
But in other cases, even the person carrying out the harassment may claim it is not what they are doing. One common excuse is when someone says that it was “just a joke.” They may even act like the other party is in the wrong for being offended, saying they just do not have a sense of humor or they just did not get it.
A hostile work environment
But even though this is a common excuse, it is important to remember that jokes can still be sexual harassment. They can contribute to a hostile work environment. A worker may feel uncomfortable or marginalized on the job, and this can take an emotional and mental toll, even if there is no physical contact.
Jokes are not the only thing that can contribute to a hostile work environment. Any type of discrimination, lewd comments or disparaging remarks about a person’s gender could also qualify. Even when someone claims they were “just joking” after the fact, simply making that joke means they may have committed sexual harassment.
Employee rights
Employees should not be subjected to any type of sexual harassment on the job. Those who are need to know what legal steps to take to defend their rights.
