Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is the term used when one person harasses another in the workplace. As the name implies, sexual harassment is of a sexual nature and the classic example of sexual harassment is when a male boss promises to promote a female employee in exchange for sexual favors.Forms of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment usually involves someone in a lower position being sexually harassed by someone in a higher position of power. Other examples of sexual harassment include telling jokes of a sexual nature, making lewd comments about a coworker’s appearance, touching the coworker inappropriately, and repeatedly stating that women (or men) are inferior and incompetent on the job. Sexual harassment takes many forms, however, and is not limited solely to men harassing women.
It is difficult to define sexual harassment; often, it depends on the individuals involved. Some who are considered to be engaging in sexually harassing behavior do not even realize it. Others might not regard it as consequential, and shrug it off.
What one woman might consider harmless flirting (complimenting a co-worker's appearance, for instance) another might consider a harassing and unwelcome behavior that makes the workplace an intolerable place. Interestingly, a person who finds this type of behavior offensive -- even if he or she does not take the brunt of the behavior -- can also be considered a victim of sexual harassment. Sometimes harassers are of the same sex as the victim of harassment.
Because sexual harassment is not always obvious, it is important for everyone in the workplace to understand the nature of sexual harassment. Most companies have mandatory sexual harassment training for all employees, and make it clear that sexual harassment in any form is not welcome at their place of business.
Sexual harassment has always existed in the workplace and elsewhere, but it was not until 1974 that the moniker was created. Soon after, sexual harassment laws were enacted to protect employees in the workplace.
Laws Against Sexual Harassment
There are both state and federal laws that protect employees from sexual harassment. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment is a form of legal discrimination. In the eyes of the federal government, sexual harassment is equated with sex discrimination and violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII applies to most companies, except those with less than 15 employees. Retaliation against an individual who speaks out against the occurrence of sexual harassment is also illegal under Title VII.
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