Lamberton Law Blog

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious problem that can have significant physical, emotional, and psychological effects on the victim. It can take many forms and is not always easy to recognize. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common examples of sexual harassment in the workplace. As always, you should contact an experienced sexual harassment lawyer if you have been sexually harassed at work.

Verbal harassment. One of the most common forms of sexual harassment in the workplace is verbal harassment. This can include unwanted sexual comments, sexual jokes, or sexual innuendo. For example, a coworker may make suggestive comments about a woman's appearance, or make lewd comments about her body. This type of behavior can be intimidating and make the victim feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

Physical harassment. Physical harassment is another form of sexual harassment that is all too common in the workplace. This can include unwanted touching, groping, or other physical contact. For example, a coworker may brush up against a woman's body or try to hug her in an inappropriate manner. This type of behavior can be especially threatening and make the victim feel physically unsafe.

Sexual favors. Another form of sexual harassment is the request for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits, such as promotions or raises. This can take many forms, including overtly explicit requests or more subtle pressure to engage in sexual activities. For example, a supervisor may tell a subordinate that she needs to "earn" a promotion by engaging in sexual activities with him. This type of behavior is not only morally repugnant but can also have severe consequences for the victim's job prospects and mental health.

Retaliation. Retaliation is another common form of sexual harassment in the workplace. This can include retaliation against employees who report sexual harassment or other inappropriate behavior. For example, a supervisor may take adverse employment actions against a subordinate who reports sexual harassment or make it difficult for the employee to perform their job duties. This type of behavior can create a hostile work environment and make it difficult for the victim to continue working in the same job or industry.

Hostile work environment. A hostile work environment is another form of sexual harassment that can be especially difficult to navigate. This can include an environment in which sexual harassment is tolerated or encouraged, such as frequent sexual jokes or comments. This type of behavior can be very difficult to report, as the victim may feel that they are not taken seriously or may be retaliated against for speaking out.

Displaying sexually explicit material. Displaying sexually explicit material in the workplace is another form of sexual harassment that can create a hostile work environment. This can include displaying pornography or other sexually explicit material on a computer or in a public space. This type of behavior is inappropriate and can make the victim feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

In conclusion, sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue that can take many forms. It is important for employers to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and for victims to know their rights and speak out if they experience harassment or other inappropriate behavior.