All About the Different Kinds of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

How much do you know about sexual harassment in the workplace? 

This intricate and delicate subject covers many unexpected scenarios that could come up at work. And no matter how subtle the intrusion may seem, acts of harassment are never acceptable. 

Keep reading to learn more about the different types of workplace sexual harassment, your rights and the policies protecting you, examples of misconduct, sexual harassment training and how to end it. 

First, Let’s Define Sexual Harassment

What is sexual harassment? Simply put, it’s any unwelcome or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that impacts the victim’s employment and wellbeing. 

This can be verbal contact, such as teasing or sexual comments, innuendos, uncomfortable or lewd sexual jokes. Or, it can be physical contact, including sexual acts or advances – with or without consent. In more extreme cases, harassment can even escalate to threats of sexual violence or abusive sexual contact.

Sexual harassment in the workplace can occur instantly or slowly over a period of time. And, it can already be taking place before the victim realizes what is happening. Additionally, harassment can take place in a variety of workplace environments like lunchrooms, elevators, parking lots, and even company parties.

Also, being bullied or sexually harassed in the workplace is one of the reasons of job burnout.

Sexual Harassment Laws

Different laws govern varying types of sexual harassment – and which applies to a specific situation has to do with the types of acts taking place. 

Quid pro quo harassment takes its name from the Latin phrase meaning “something for something.” This type of infraction occurs when an employee’s hiring, promotion, or job continuity depends on whether they accept the sexual advances of a manager or coworker with higher authority than their own.

Even if the employee agrees to take part in sexual acts or dynamics, they may still file a complaint based on the power dynamics between themself and their employer, supervisor, or superior colleague. 

Hostile workplace harassment happens when a victim’s coworkers or superiors make sexual remarks or comments that negatively affect the employee’s ability to do their job. This type of harassment can make a workplace less safe, intimidating, and even hostile. 

Know Your Rights

No employee should be forced to experience harassment in the workplace – even if it seems benign at first. And, oftentimes, an environment of inappropriate joking can later foster unsafe or threatening sexual acts. That’s why it’s best to keep the environment strictly professional from day one.

Any and all inappropriate conduct should be reported immediately, even if you are a third party or not directly impacted. After all, keeping one employee safe helps keep the rest out of harm’s way!

Stop Workplace Sexual Harassment

Now that you know the basics surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace, you’re ready to take action. And, armed with this guide, you can’t go wrong!

Do you want to know more about this broad and fascinating subject? Our sexual harassment training can provide you with the skills and knowledge to protect yourself and others.

This course meets the training requirements for all 50 states, including California and New York. And it pairs perfectly with our diversity and inclusion course.