Examples Of Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

When you start a new job, or your first job, you might get along with your coworkers and managers, but you might not. Getting used to working with different types of people and their workplace habits is part of the job.

However, there are some forms of workplace behavior that are always unacceptable. Sexual harassment is never okay in the workplace and unfortunately, it is not uncommon to face these types of behaviors while in the office or even working remotely.

It can also be difficult to identify what types of behaviors qualify as sexual harassment and when they should be reported. This behavior can come in different forms and it’s important to be aware of it in any form.

Types Of Harassment

Some forms of sexual harassment are much more obvious than others, but all types are intolerable at work. Some obvious forms of sexual harassment can include:

• Touching/grouping
• Slapping
• Requests for sexual favors
• Offering/conditioning promotions or special treatment in exchange for sexual favors
• Sexually explicit comments
• Catcalls

However, there are other forms of sexual harassment in the workplace that are more subtle, yet just as inappropriate such as:

• Sending inappropriate photos or texts
• Making sexual jokes
• Asking about one’s sex life or spreading rumors
• Staring
• Unwanted/sexually charged compliments
• Rude gestures
• Repeated hugs or other unwanted touching (i.e. hand on back, massages)

These examples of harassment may not be overt but can still be considered sexual harassment if they create a hostile work environment. This means that the conduct must be offensive to any reasonable person in the same circumstances.

If you feel uncomfortable in your workplace due to any of these examples of sexual harassment you can stand up for yourself. No person should feel unsafe or unprotected while at work and there are actions you can take to stop the behavior and get justice for it if necessary.