Sexual harassment in the workplace is an issue that, unfortunately, many people face during their careers. This unlawful and harmful behavior creates a hostile work environment, leading to mental health issues, lost productivity, and damaged professional relationships.

If you’ve ever faced this problem, you most likely don’t know what to do if you’re being sexually harassed at work, nor do you know who to turn to. And it can be terrifying because you might not know who you can trust.

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of sexual harassment at work and provide helpful guidance on what to do if you are in such a situation. 

What Is Sexual Harassment at Work?

Sexual harassment at work is any unwelcome sexual advances or conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment, including verbal, physical, and visual harassment.

Definition and Types of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment at work is a form of unlawful behavior that can manifest in various ways. It typically involves the following: 

• Unwelcome sexual advances
• Requests for sexual favors
• Other verbal and physical conduct rooted in sex

This misconduct may occur between: 

• Coworkers
• Supervisors
• Subordinates
• Vendors
• Clients
• Visitors to the workplace

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when someone with authority over an employee's career makes employment decisions contingent on accepting unwanted sexual conduct. For example, a supervisor offering a promotion in exchange for a date would be considered quid pro quo harassment.

Hostile work environment harassment arises when an employee is subjected to unwelcome sexually explicit comments or behavior that interferes with their ability to perform job duties effectively or creates an intimidating atmosphere.

Instances like inappropriate touching or lewd jokes shared among coworkers contribute to fostering such environments.

The Effects of Sexual Harassment at Work

The effects of sexual harassment at work are far-reaching and can have significant consequences for both the victim and the workplace. 

For the targeted individual, experiencing unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or other forms of offensive conduct based on their sex can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Sexual harassment has broader implications for an organization's productivity and stability. A hostile work environment with unprofessional conduct can poison workplace morale. Employees don’t trust each other, and a decline in staff collaboration hinders smooth operations, increasing liability risks from potential employment litigation.

What To Do if You’re Being Sexually Harassed at Work

If you’re sexually harassed at work, it's crucial to report the harassment to management immediately, know your legal rights, and document everything for evidence.

Report the Harassment to Management

Reporting harassment to management is a crucial step in addressing sexual harassment at work. You can contact your immediate supervisor, an HR representative, or other supervisors in the company hierarchy.

When informing management of the incident, clearly outline the details and provide any necessary evidence, such as emails, texts, or witness accounts, to strengthen your case and ensure proper investigations are carried out effectively.

By reporting these incidents to their superiors and providing relevant information on their experiences, employees can hold perpetrators accountable while protecting themselves from further harm in the workplace.

Know Your Legal Rights

It's important to know your legal rights if you're facing sexual harassment in the workplace. Under federal law, sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination based on sex, which violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Employers should provide a work environment free from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination.

If you've been sexually harassed at work, familiarize yourself with these laws and the options available for seeking recourse. Consult with an attorney specializing in employment litigation or contact a human resources representative for guidance on the next steps.

Documenting incidents of harassment can also support your case if legal action becomes necessary.

Document Everything

Document everything when dealing with sexual harassment at work to have a record of the incident, which can be used as evidence if needed. Keep a detailed account of what happened during and after the incident, including dates, times, and any witnesses present.

You should also immediately include a report of the incident to HR or management in your documentation. Ensure that you receive written confirmation of your complaint for future reference.

Remember that documentation is crucial in legal proceedings related to workplace sexual harassment cases. Having clear records can substantiate claims in court and provide credibility to victims' testimony.

Get Help for Workplace Harassment

Sexual harassment at work is a serious issue that affects many employees. Employers and employees must know their legal rights and responsibilities to combat this problem effectively.

Knowing what to do if you’re being sexually harassed at work can go a long way in helping you recover. By reporting any incidents of sexual harassment, documenting everything, and familiarizing oneself with the company's anti-harassment policies, you can seek the justice you need.

We should all be able to go to work without facing harassment of any kind. If this hasn’t been the case for you, we are here to help. If harassment does not stop or if you are suffering retaliation from reporting workplace harassment, an employment attorney may be able to help. Employment attorneys focus on protecting you from discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environments, and more.

The employment attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, bring together our knowledge and insight to construct a strong case for our clients and maximize any future settlements. Thanks to our teamwork and extensive familiarity with both state and federal employment laws, we can take on essentially any employment law case for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.