What is Workplace Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment in the workplace manifests in various ways and can come from colleagues, managers, or even clients. It spans a range of behaviors including, but not limited to, unwelcome physical contact, inappropriate remarks, and quid pro quo offers, such as promotions in exchange for sexual favors.
Different Facets of Harassment
It’s important to note that sexual harassment doesn’t always have to be overtly sexual. Harassment can also manifest as derogatory comments, intimidation, or bullying based on sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Harassment may intersect with other forms of discrimination like race and ethnicity. For instance, a woman of color might experience harassment differently than her white female colleagues, possibly being subject to discrimination for both her gender and racial background.
Examples of Harassment Behaviors
Here are some behaviors that could qualify as sexual harassment, though this is not an exhaustive list:
Unwanted requests for sexual favors or dates.
Inappropriate comments about someone’s physical appearance.
Stereotyping or demeaning comments about a specific gender or sexual orientation.
Use of derogatory gender-based or orientation-based language.
Sharing or making crude or explicit sexual jokes.
Sending sexually explicit emails, texts, or messages.
Spreading gossip about someone’s personal relationships or sexual experiences.
Unwanted touching, hugging, or other physical contact.
Sexual stares, leering, or gestures.
Blocking someone’s path or movement.
Sharing or displaying vulgar images or pornography.
Important Considerations
It’s About the Victim’s Perception
The key factor that makes behavior harassment is how it’s received, not how it’s intended. Even if the perpetrator thinks their behavior is harmless, it’s still harassment if the recipient finds it unwanted or offensive.
Silent Reactions Don’t Invalidate the Harassment
You may not always be able to express your discomfort immediately, especially if you’re concerned about how the harasser or others might react. This doesn’t make the behavior any less harassing or you any less valid in feeling harassed.
Bystander Experience
Even if the conduct is not directed at you specifically, it can still be considered harassment. For example, if you’re a part of a marginalized group and overhear colleagues making derogatory jokes about that group, you’re experiencing a form of harassment.
Understanding what constitutes sexual harassment is crucial for fostering a respectful and safe workplace for everyone. If you experience or witness behaviors like these, it’s important to report them so that corrective actions can be taken.