Sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited. Workers are protected from the different types of sexual harassment that may occur in the workplace which is why it is helpful for victims to be familiar with the different types of sexual harassment. Beyond the different types of sexual harassment, it is also essential for victims to be familiar with the protections available to them.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment
Quid pro quo sexual harassment is one type of sexual harassment recognized under the law. It involves several elements, including that someone in a position of authority, such as a supervisor, requires sex or sexual favors for favorable treatment of the employee or to refrain from detrimental treatment of the employee. Favorable treatment can include promotions, pay raises or favorable work schedules. Detrimental treatment can include firing, reducing hours, denying promotions and other negative actions.
Hostile workplace environment sexual harassment
Hostile work environment sexual harassment is another type of sexual harassment recognized under the law. It includes sexually demeaning or other inappropriate behaviors in the workplace that are so pervasive that they create a hostile work environment for the employee to work in. Examples of demeaning behaviors can include sexual jokes, photographs or threats that oftentimes create an intimidating workplace environment for the employee to work in.
Employment law provides different protections for workers who are victims of sexual harassment in their workplace. Victims do not have to tolerate going to work every day facing sexual harassment and should know about the legal protections available to them.