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Sexual harassment and a hostile work environment

On Behalf of | Dec 16, 2014 | Sexual Harassment At Work

It is a shame to think that some people are victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, but if you stay current with our blog you know this remains a big problem throughout the country, including the state of Florida.

While not always the case, most types of sexual harassment belong in one of two categories:

— Quid pro quo– Sexually hostile workplace

Quid pro quo sexual harassment is defined as pressure from a coworker, supervisor or other employee to provide sexual favors in exchange for benefits such as a promotion, raise, or keeping your job.

A sexually hostile workplace is exactly what it sounds like. This is an environment that makes it difficult for a person to complete his or her responsibilities as a result of:

— Inappropriate touching

— Remarks regarding a person’s body, clothing, or appearance

— Rumors regarding a person’s sexual orientation or sex life

— The display of pornographic or sexist images

— Company functions being held at an inappropriate location, such as a strip club

Pinpointing whether or not an employer is liable for a sexually hostile work environment includes a focus on whether one could have corrected or prevented a condition that an employee or employees could consider offensive.

A workplace free of sexual harassment is one that is much more enjoyable for each and every employee, regardless of position. If you feel you have been a victim of sexual harassment, it is important to first report this action to your employer. From there, you can begin to learn more about your legal rights on our website.