Perhaps, you felt uneasy after something a coworker said or did, and that discomfort persists. Now, you wonder whether your coworker’s behavior crossed the line into sexual harassment.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment in the workplace includes unwanted sexual conduct or actions that target you based on your sex, gender identity or perceived sexuality. Often, it starts with subtle behaviors that escalate over time. Experiencing these types of misconduct can create a hostile or humiliating environment, causing you to feel unsafe or isolated.
Common signs of workplace sexual harassment include:
- Repeated remarks about your appearance or body
- Unwanted physical contact, even brief touches
- Sexual jokes, images or conversations
- Pressure to meet privately or go on dates
- Sexual gestures, staring or leering
If you have noticed these signs, think about what happened next. Did the behavior continue after you said you were uncomfortable? Did the person manipulate your schedule or workload? Did you hesitate to report it because of fear of retaliation or other consequences? These details can help you understand if your coworker’s behaviors made your workplace hostile, intimidating or abusive.
What you can do next
If you believe that your coworkers’ actions qualify as sexual harassment, start documenting what happened. Include the date, time, location, names involved and a clear description of the incident. Save any emails, messages or images that may establish a pattern of misbehavior and support your claim should you choose to file a report.
Next, review your workplace’s harassment policy if there is one available. It should explain how to report the behavior and provide the contact information of the person responsible for handling complaints. Reach out to your human resources team or the key person named in the policy, then follow the steps provided and keep copies of all your communications.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider talking to someone you trust. such as a colleague, mentor or counselor, for support as you move forward.
What happens now
Workplace sexual harassment can affect your well-being, job performance and sense of security. Recognizing inappropriate behavior is the first step toward protecting your rights and restoring a safe workplace.
Once you understand that your coworkers’ actions have created a hostile work environment or violated your legal boundaries, it is essential to report it. Filing a complaint involving harassment can be difficult, but there are resources and support systems available to help you through the process.