Sexual harassment in the workplace may result from any unwelcome sexual advances, propositions, or interactions. One act of sexual harassment may be severe enough to be unlawful. These common examples of sexual harassment in the workplace in Orange County, CA, can create adverse working conditions for an individual, regardless of gender.
Unwanted Physical Contact
Any physical contact that makes an employee feel uncomfortable in the workplace, appears inappropriate, or is unprovoked may constitute unwanted touching. One or numerous acts consisting of unwanted physical contact may be considered sexual harassment. Examples of physical touching an employee may consider as sexual harassment may include:
- Placing a hand on the back, arm, or another part of the body
- Brushing or pressing against someone or blocking an individual’s movement, making it challenging to maneuver a space without coming in contact
- Groping, hugging, or kissing
- Messaging or rubbing
A coworker or supervisor may initiate unwanted physical contact as intimidation. Unwanted touching in the workplace, even when appearing sexual, can be a form of control.
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Supervisors, managers, and C-level employees in the workplace engage in quid pro quo sexual harassment when they place conditional terms on employment based on an employee’s complying with a sexual act or favors. A supervisor may offer a job promotion, a more favorable shift, a bonus, or any benefit if an employee provides or agrees to sexual demands. Quid pro quo translates to this for that and is unlawful, violating federal and state laws.
An individual in a position of power may also express or suggest withholding employment opportunities unless an employee agrees to a sexual encounter. Withholding bonuses, job opportunities, or assigning less desirable work shifts or jobs can be a form of punishment for an employee’s non-compliance with a sexual favor or act.
Verbal Sexual Harassment
Workplace conversations may include friendly conversations on numerous topics. Comments or conversations that become explicit, turn to inappropriate joking, or become sexually derogatory can escalate to verbal sexual harassment. Slurs regarding gender, sex, or sexual orientation may also lead to incidents of verbal sexual harassment, regardless of whether they target you, someone else, or a protected characteristic.
Nonverbal Sexual Harassment
Facial expressions, stares, or suggestive motions can create a form of nonverbal sexual harassment in the workplace. Digital communications may initiate unwelcome sexual interactions. Keep these types of nonverbal sexual harassment communications as proof of a potential unlawful action by a coworker or supervisor:
- Text messages with sexual content
- Photos containing sexually explicit imagery
- Emails with sexual images or conversations
- Shared links to videos, social media posts, or webpages
Proving workplace sexual harassment can be challenging. Supporting evidence goes a long way in helping you protect against retaliation for reporting sexual harassment and filing a complaint or seeking civil remedies to recover from its impact.
Hostile Work Environment
Comments or conduct about sex can impact your work environment, whether it targets you, someone else, or a group of individuals. The behaviors or speech may feel intimidating, belittling or offensive, and interfere with job performance. These behaviors above become unlawful, creating a hostile work environment, when they are pervasive.
Reporting sexual harassment is often complex. Human resources (HR) departments may feel that protecting a company’s best interests is their obligation, leaving an employee vulnerable to retaliation when reporting sexual harassment at work. Legal advocacy frequently plays a pivotal role in combating sexual harassment in an Orange County workplace and can help you fight back.