Subtle Signs Of Sexual Harassment At Work

When you're at work, you expect everyone to treat you professionally without sexual harassment. However, sexual harassment is not always obvious. Nevertheless, sexual harassment, even when it's subtle, can have a great impact on your mental health and your career.

Sexual harassment, or any type of gender bias, is illegal even if it seems small. If the behavior is unwanted, then you have the right to speak up. Here are some examples of subtle behavior and statements that you may wish to talk to a sexual harassment attorney about.

Treating You Different From the Opposite Gender

Sexual harassment doesn't have to actually be sexual. If you are treated differently because of your gender, then that could be considered sexual harassment. Examples include harsh treatment as well as refusing to give you certain types of work or assignments. The same goes for comments about your femininity or masculinity.

Discussing Their Sex Life Around You

If your coworkers discuss the graphic details of their sex life around you, then you have the right to ask them to stop. This also includes graphic discussions about a person's sexual body parts or their own sexual prowess or success. Playing music with graphic sexual lyrics could also be harassment.

Spreading Rumors Around You

Spreading rumors about you and who you've allegedly had romantic encounters is considered harassment. This is especially true if it alters how your coworkers and supervisors treat you.

Sending You Photos of Scantily Clad Men or Women

Sending material to you that contains shirtless men or women in skimpy outfits is sexual harassment. The same goes for if this material is placed in a prominent place where you would be the main person who would see it, such as on a desk next to yours.

Asking You For Hugs

You should never feel obligated to hug a coworker or customer at work. If you want to hug someone, that is fine, as long as you both have mutual feelings about it. If you are constantly pestered for hugs, or put down because you don't want a hug, then that could be harassment. Saying it's the company culture is no excuse for this behavior.

For something to be sexual harassment, it must be unwanted. If you are perfectly fine with any of these behaviors, or even engage in them, then they are not considered sexual harassment. However, if these things bother you, tell your supervisor or human resources representative. If that doesn't work, and the behavior hasn't stopped, then you may need to consult a sexual harassment attorney.

If you think you are in need of any harassment attorney services, contact a professional near you.

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