Workplace sexual harassment is a type of discrimination that involves uninvited behavior, conduct, or comments about gender, sex, or sexual orientation. While it is the most commonly reported, sexual harassment is not the only sort of harassment that is sustained in the workplace. Other comments or actions involving race, age, religion, or gender could also be seen as harassment if they are interfering with an employee’s ability to do their job or if it creates a hostile work environment. You should be able to go to work everyday in an environment that is free from all types of harassment, especially sexual harassment. If you are currently suffering from sexual harassment in the workplace, you may want to contact a lawyer. He or she will work to fight for compensation for your pain and suffering and to make sure your harasser or company is held accountable.
Examples of Workplace Sexual Harassment
A job title does not excuse anyone from a harassment case. It could be your coworker, manager, or even a contractor, client, or vendor. If someone acts in a way that creates a hostile work environment or disallows for an employee’s success, it could be considered sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is not solely making inappropriate advances. Sexual harassment also includes any undesired physical or verbal behavior which would cause a hostile work environment.
These are a few examples of workplace sexual harassment include:
- Sharing sexually explicit videos or images with coworkers
- Sending inappropriate notes, emails, or letters
- Displaying sexual images or posters at work
- Telling lewd jokes or sexual anecdotes
- Making sexual gestures
- Making any sexual comments to a coworker
- Inappropriate touching
- Asking questions about someone’s sexual orientation or sexual history
If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, you should promptly report it to your manager or to HR. Once you’ve reported it to someone at work, you should also file a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If you do not feel you are being supported, you should call a lawyer.
Examples of Non-Sexual Harassment
Making negative or racist comments or offensive gestures are also seen as workplace harassment. These types of harassment should be address in the same way that sexual harassment is addressed.
Some examples of non-sexual harassment include :
- Using racist phrases, slang, or nicknames
- Making negative remarks regardings someone’s personal beliefs
- Making offensive gestures
- Sharing an inappropriate email, video, images, notes, or letters
- Making derogatory comments regarding age
- Wearing clothes that could offend a certain ethnic group
Make an Appointment
It is important for you to feel safe in your workplace. If you have been sexually harassed at work, you should have a personal injury lawyer on your side. A team of dedicated lawyers will work to investigate your case and will fight to hold your workplace accountable for these actions. Contact a lawyer, like a discrimination litigation lawyer in Washington DC from Eric Siegel Law, to set up a consultation today