Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

• Definition: Unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment.

Types of Sexual Harassment

• Verbal: Remarks, even jokes, that are sexually suggestive or offensive.
• Physical: Touching, hugging, restricting movement, or assault.
• Visual: Outlining a person's body, making suggestive eye contact (elevator eyes), or displaying sexual objects.
• Visual objects: Sexually suggestive calendars, cartoons, posters, notes, invitations, or pictures.
• Sexual conduct: Demanding sexual favors for advancement, promotion, or benefits.
• Retaliation: Threatening an employee who reports harassment.

Reporting Sexual Harassment

• Immediate action: Tell the harasser to stop.
• Formal reporting: Report the incident to Human Resources.
• Process: Follow the established complaint process.
• Documentation: Document dates, times, and a detailed description of the incident.

Legal Protection and Additional Steps

• Government Agencies: There are government agencies available to pursue a complaint if your employer is not addressing the situation.
• Specific Behaviors: Outlining a person's body, staring, or making suggestive eye contact (elevator eyes) are considered sexual harassment.
• "Quid Pro Quo": "This for that" – implying that sexual favors are a condition for employment benefits (raises, shifts, etc.).
• Unwelcome Conduct: Harassment is only considered a form of discrimination if it's unwelcome.
• Bystander Effect: Harassment can affect others, even if you are not the direct target.
• Gender Specific: Sexual harassment is not limited to harassment between men and women.
• Isolated Incidents: A single sexual joke does not automatically qualify as sexual harassment, but can if it consistently happens or is frequent.
• Severity/Pervasiveness: Acts must be severe or pervasive to be considered sexual harassment.
• Reporting: Reporting when you feel harassed is appropriate.

Explore the various aspects of sexual harassment in the workplace, including its definitions, types, and reporting procedures. This quiz will help you understand the gravity of the issue and the appropriate actions to take when facing or witnessing harassment.