Quid pro quo and hostile work environment are the two basic kinds of sexual harassment. There are many complexities of conduct within these two groups. Read on to learn more about these types of harassment and contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you need a free legal consultation with an experienced workplace attorney.
Quid Pro Quo harassment
Quid Pro Quo harassment is a form of sexual harassment in which a person in a position of power asks a subordinate for sexual favors. Sexual bribery or sexual coercion are examples of quid pro quo harassment. Bribery involving sexual favors is providing a reward if sexual favors are given.
This reward may be getting recruited, promoted, or given a raise, for example. Threatening punishment if sexual favors are not supplied is a kind of sexual coercion. A supervisor, for example, could threaten to terminate an employee, withhold a promotion, or write a nasty performance assessment, among other things.
Hostile work environment
A hostile work environment is created when harassing conduct interferes with the victim’s capacity to execute their job. Many various sorts of conduct might lead to a hostile work environment, but the majority of them will be classified as gender harassment or seductive behavior.
Gender harassment is defined as conduct that is demeaning or disrespectful to a certain gender. Offensive statements, gestures, jokes, drawings, and photographs are all examples. Unwanted and inappropriate sexual approaches are part of seductive conduct. Inappropriate touching is one example, as is continually inviting someone out for dinner, drinks, or dates. Seductive conduct can escalate to the level of sexual assault in some circumstances of inappropriate contact.
Behaviors that are desired and those that are undesirable
The victim’s mindset, not the perpetrator’s, is what important when assessing whether or not a conduct is sexual harassment. Let’s assume a boss enjoys giving his staff neck massages. He may believe he is only being pleasant and expressing his support and gratitude for their efforts. They may, however, object to being touched.
Despite the fact that the neck is not a particularly sexual body region, it might be deemed sexual harassment if an employee finds the massage offensive. It is not sexual harassment if an employee really appreciates the massage (and does not feel compelled to pretend to love it in order to maintain their job). Flirtation may be dealt with in a similar way—only it’s harassment if the person being flirted with finds it offensive.
Have you experienced workplace sexual harassment?
If you’ve been the victim of workplace sexual harassment, the best thing you can do is simply ask the harasser to cease. You do, however, have alternative choices if this does not work or you do not feel comfortable addressing your harasser. Consider contacting a sexual harassment lawyer for assistance in documenting and reporting the behavior. This will also guarantee that you are prepared to pursue any future legal action that may be required. Call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker right now at 800-333-0000 to learn more.
