What Falls Under Sexual Harassment At The Workplace?

When you work at your organization, your only focus should be on advancing your career and contributing to the growth of your organization. However, if you face sexual harassment at the workplace, it severely damages your mental health and affects your productivity due to the hostile work environment created by your harasser. 

The Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects the rights of job applicants and employees by including the prohibition of sex discrimination and harassment. An Austin, TX sexual harassment lawyer understands your state of distress and confusion regarding what legal action you can take. They guide you efficiently and enable you to choose the best legal route. 

How to recognize sexual harassment?

Understanding what is considered sexual harassment at the workplace is essential for recognizing the signs of being harassed. Harassers may not always be evident during their misconduct, and being aware of what constitutes harassment can help you detect their behavior early and take quick action. 

• Quid pro quo harassment. 

A manager, supervisor, or employer may ask or demand the employee for favors of sexual nature, and offer career growth opportunities such as promotions if they agree to perform them. 

• Hostile work environment. 

When the harasser’s unwelcome sexual conduct or advances create an uncomfortable or abusive environment for the employee to work in that negatively impacts their ability to work, it is said to be a hostile work environment. 

Is harassment limited to physical behavior? 

While behavior such as inappropriate touching and nonconsensual sexual actions are apparent signs of harassment, it is not limited to that. Catcalling, ogling, sexual comments or jokes, gestures, and using social media to spread sexually offensive content are also examples of harassment. Contrary to people’s belief, harassment does not always have to be sexual. Discriminatory behavior because of the person’s sex and sexist misconduct is also included in sexual harassment. 

How does your lawyer help you?

A lawyer can help analyze the facts of your situation and determine whether what you experienced can be classified as sexual harassment. They provide you with helpful advice, such as ways to collect evidence that strengthens your complaint. Their expertise enables you to understand the best way to seek legal remedies. They can help you file a charge with your organization’s Human Resources department or the EEOC, based on your circumstances. Their presence also ensures that your employer cannot take retaliatory action against you for making a complaint. 

While experiencing sexual harassment at the workplace can be isolating and painful, the legal support offered by your lawyer can help you proceed with the legal procedure with ease and lesser complications. They ensure that you attain a favorable outcome and receive compensation for suffering harassment.