Sexual harassment is a common occurrence in the workplace today, even with the laws in place to protect employees. It can happen to anyone, including men, and can be committed by both employees and employers. It is an uncomfortable situation that no one should be submitted to at work or anywhere else in life. Here’s how you can identify sexual harassment in the workplace.
One of the biggest signs of sexual harassment in the workplace is when one person inappropriately touches another in a manner that can be seen as sexually provocative. It’s understandable that people will touch each other at work, but the touching must be limited to a professional nature (handshakes, high fives, tap on the shoulder).
When someone makes a comment or remark about another person’s physical appearance or their genitalia, sexual harassment is present in the workplace. Some might think these comments are innocent fun, but they have no place in the office and can offend quite a few people.
Sexual harassment comes in all forms, including when a supervisor or member of management discusses sexual favors or dating with employees. Even a supervisor discusses you dating a co-worker can be construed as sexual harassment.
Email has made it easier for sexual harassment to spread throughout the workplace. For example, this happens when employees or management send sexually explicit jokes or pictures to others at the office via work or personal email accounts.
If you believe you are the victim of sexual harassment at work, be sure to review the employee handbook to find the company’s stance on such an issue.
Are you the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace? Contact our firm to tell your story and have your rights protected in Sherman Oaks, California.