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.