Warning Signs of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Unfortunately, sexual harassment in the workplace still exists — even following the #MeToo movement and their attempt to put it to an end. While some forms of sexual harassment may be undeniable, others can be more subtle, leaving the victim confused and unsure about what they should do. Whether male or female, here are some red flags every employee needs to know.

Common Behaviors of Sexual Harassers

There are two types of sexual harassment in the workplace:

1. Quid Pro Quo
   “Quid pro quo” is Latin for “this for that.” This type of harassment occurs when a supervisor hints or outwardly asks for sexual favors in return for employee benefits (i.e., trips, promotions, bonuses and/or raises).
2. Hostile Work Environment
   Working in a hostile environment can make an employee feel uncomfortable, intimidated or threatened. This may include unwelcome sexual advances, jokes, and gestures of a sexual nature. A hostile work environment is not necessarily created by supervisors — co-workers, clients or other business-related associates may also forge an uncomfortable work atmosphere.

No matter what type of harassment a person endures, the harasser may use the following intimidating tactics:

• Standing too close or being “touchy.”
• Making inappropriate comments about your body or clothing.
• Asking about your personal life and sexual experiences as well as talking about their own.
• Frequently asked to meet alone outside of work or persistently asking for dates after you’ve repeatedly turned them down.
• Exposes you to pornographic materials.
• Tries to engage you in sexually charged conversations.

Common Behaviors of Victims

Victims of workplace sexual harassment may start to behave differently at work. Some common signs may include but are not limited to:

• Feeling anxious
• Socially withdrawn
• Easily irritated
• Problems concentrating
• Quick tempered

If you believe you are being sexually harassed, you likely are, and it can lead to emotional consequences that you may not have even considered. The best course of action is to consult a dedicated Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney. 

Types of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace takes many forms, and understanding these different types is essential for recognizing when you have been victimized. Federal and state laws protect employees from all forms of sexual harassment, whether it creates a hostile work environment or constitutes quid pro quo harassment. The following categories represent the most common types of sexual harassment employees experience.

Verbal Harassment

Verbal sexual harassment includes any unwelcome spoken comments of a sexual nature. This encompasses sexual jokes, innuendos, or comments about someone’s body or appearance. It also includes requests for sexual favors, persistent requests for dates after being declined, sexually explicit conversations, or making sexual sounds like whistling or catcalling. Spreading sexual rumors about coworkers, asking intrusive questions about someone’s sex life, or making derogatory comments based on gender also constitute verbal harassment. Even seemingly minor comments can create a hostile work environment when they’re persistent or severe.

Physical Harassment

Physical sexual harassment involves unwanted physical contact or invasion of personal space. This includes touching, grabbing, patting, pinching, or brushing against someone in a sexual manner. More serious physical harassment involves kissing, hugging, massaging, or any form of sexual assault or attempted assault. Blocking someone’s path, standing too close intentionally, or cornering someone also constitutes physical harassment. Any unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature, regardless of how minor the perpetrator claims it to be, is illegal and unacceptable in the workplace.

Visual Harassment

Visual sexual harassment occurs when employees are subjected to unwanted sexual imagery or gestures. This includes displaying sexually explicit photos, posters, calendars, or screensavers in the workplace. Drawing sexual pictures, making sexual gestures, or staring at someone in a sexually suggestive manner also falls into this category. Sending sexually explicit letters or notes, or leaving such materials where coworkers will find them, constitutes visual harassment even without direct verbal or physical contact.

Digital and Online Harassment

With remote work becoming more common, digital sexual harassment has increased significantly. This includes sending sexually explicit emails, text messages, or social media messages to coworkers. Sharing sexual content through workplace communication platforms like Slack or Teams, making sexual comments during video conferences, or creating deepfake images of coworkers are all forms of digital harassment. Online stalking, persistently commenting on a coworker’s social media posts in a sexual manner, or using workplace technology to access someone’s private information also constitutes harassment in the digital age.

How to Get Help

If you’ve repeatedly asked your harasser to stop the behavior and it’s still happening, it’s imperative to report it to a supervisor you are comfortable with, or to human resources. When reporting workplace sexual harassment, it’s crucial to record as many details about the incident(s) as possible should a lawsuit become necessary.

You Need an Experienced Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Your Corner

There are a wide range of warning signs of sexual harassment in the workplace, and they should all be taken seriously. You should not be harassed on the job, and important laws are in place to protect your rights. 

The compassionate Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys at LNN Trial Lawyers will spare no effort in our focused commitment to helping you address the sexual harassment you are experiencing head-on. We are on your side and here to help, so please do not wait to reach out by contacting us online or giving our firm a call today.