Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can be a huge problem in many working environments. Employees are entitled to a professional, respectful, safe work atmosphere, and sexual harassment can easily ruin that.

Harassment can take many forms, but is most typical and most blatant when a boss or manager makes advances or offers benefits to an employee in return for sexual favors. It is most often the case with a male boss and female employee, but this is not always true.

In addition to offering bonuses or advantages for participation in sexual behavior, a supervisor could threaten to take away privileges or reduce salary if the employee does not engage in explicit activities. This is called quid pro quo sexual harassment because it is “something for something,” like benefits for sexual favors.

Sexual harassment does not have to be quite as blatant as quid pro quo. Creating a work environment that is conducive to inappropriate jokes, crude humor, sexually explicit emails or cartoons, etc. can also be harassment. Also, any inappropriate actions or words by a co-worker can be considered sexual harassment. Hostile environment sexual harassment is sometimes harder to classify, but it is no less of a problem and is equally illegal.

If you feel that you have been the victim of sexual harassment, or need legal guidance with any employment or business issues, contact the Minneapolis business lawyers at Skjold ▪ Barthel, P.A. by calling 612-746-2560.