What You Need to Know About Subtle Forms of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment can be defined as unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. This inappropriate sexual behavior can range from very obvious to almost unnoticeable. Here are some subtle forms of sexual harassment in the workplace.
It is against the law to sexually harass an employee in the workplace. Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal when it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in a negative outcome for the victim, such as the victim being fired or demoted. Both the victim and the harasser can be either a man or woman, and it is possible for them to be of the same sex.
Related: Workplace Sexual Harassment Statistics
Forms of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Here are some subtle examples of sexual harassment in the workplace. If an individual is uncomfortable due to their coworker or supervisor exhibiting inappropriate – borderline sexual – behavior, such behavior might be considered sexual harassment. Here are some subtle forms of sexual harassment.
- Physically blocking someone’s movements, or standing in their way when they are trying to go somewhere/get something done
- “Accidentally” brushing up against a person
- If this happens once by accident, it may have genuinely been an accident, however, if this has happened more than once, it may be considered a form of sexual harassment.
- Staring or looking at their body up and down
- Following them around and paying extra attention to them
- Making insulting comments about a person’s sexual identity or their sexual orientation
- Asking about someone’s sexual orientation may also be considered a form of subtle sexual harassment.
- Sharing sexual stories or telling sexual jokes with the intention of making an individual uncomfortable
- Related: Sexual Jokes at Work: Harassment?
- Sending unwanted lewd or suggestive emails, letters, or other communications
- This includes sharing sexual images around the workplace, displaying sexual posters, items, or screensavers that are sexual in nature.
- Repeatedly asking an individual on dates or for sexual favors despite being rejected in the past
- Making sexually offensive gestures, remarks, or facial expressions
- Inappropriate or offensive touching, kissing, or rubbing of someone’s body and/or clothing.
Related: 7 Signs You’re Being Sexually Harassed at Work
FAQs About Subtle Forms of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
What can an individual do if they are being sexually harassed?
If someone is being sexually harassed, they should start with telling their harasser to stop their inappropriate behavior and notify their employer or a human resources person at your workplace. Cooperate with any investigation by documenting any and all incidents.
How should an individual document sexual harassment?
An individual should document sexual harassment by writing down where the harassment happened, when it happened, how your physical condition has changed as the result of the harassment, who witnessed the behavior, and what you did about the behavior then and thereafter.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has experienced subtle forms of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys in California today!