While we know that television often glamorizes certain fantasies, one would be excused for believing in the idea of finding love in the workplace. Take the hit sitcom The Office, for example. Who wouldn’t want to find the Pam to their Jim or vice versa?

Of course, dating in the workplace has become much more complicated in recent years, especially in light of the #MeToo movement. More complicated, however, does not mean totally off limits. Even in 2018, it may be possible to ask a co-worker out on a date, but it is important to do so with great care and respect for your co-worker as a person.

Know the Rules

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination protected against by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Employers may not treat employees or potential employees differently than others just because of their gender. Unfortunately, sexual harassment at work does occur, and studies show women in higher education may be especially susceptible to it. Whether it is a supervisor suggesting that an employee may get a promotion if she performs sexual favors or a co-worker that makes nonstop inappropriate jokes, no one should have to put up with sexual harassment.

University and College Faculty Report Widespread Sexual Harassment Against Women

Researchers from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine hope that their investigation into sexual harassment trends in academia will lead to methods of preventing sexual harassment completely. Using data from surveys and other studies, the researchers found that sexual harassment is shockingly common in higher education. In fact, almost 60 percent of female college faculty say that they have been victims of sexual harassment themselves.

Reporting a co-worker or supervisor for sexual harassment can be an intimidating endeavor. This is one reason that thousands of incidents of sexual harassment sadly go unreported and unaddressed. Many victims of sexual harassment worry that speaking out against inappropriate sexual harassment in the workplace will get them fired or ostracized at work. Unfortunately, employers do sometimes “punish” employees who make sexual harassment allegations, but the good news is that there are laws to protect victims in this circumstance.

The Responsibility of Employers to Their Employees

Anyone who owns a business or otherwise employs other people has several duties to their employees. One of these duties is to address and investigate any claims of sexual harassment made my subordinates. If a company receives a report of sexual harassment claim and does not take steps to stop the harassing behavior, they can be held liable. If you were sexually harassed at work and your claim of sexual harassment was swept under the rug, your employer could face serious consequences. They may be required to reimburse you for lost wages and even the costs related to your new job search.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex-based employment discrimination, and it against the law. There are two basic types of workplace sexual harassment: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment. Both can be damaging to not only the victim’s career but also to their physical and emotional well-being. 

“Quid pro quo” is a phrase borrowed from Latin that means “something for something.” In the context of sexual harassment, it refers to a worker being offered benefits—including continued employment—in exchange for sex-related favors. A manager who promises a raise to a worker if the worker agrees to go on a date with him is probably guilty of quid pro quo harassment. Quid pro quo harassment is often fairly overt and easy to recognize, but this is not always the case with the other type of sexual harassment.

A Hostile Work Environment Can Develop Quietly

There has never been a greater emphasis on sexual harassment in the workplace than in recent years. After allegations of severe sexual harassment and sexual assault were brought against film producer Harvey Weinstein, more and more victims of sexual harassment started coming forward with their own stories. Accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior and harassment have also been leveled against former NBC News host Matt Lauer, leading to his termination.

If you feel that you are sexually harassed at work, do not hesitate to take action. One of the most important steps you can take is to collect all the instances of sexual harassment in a sexual harassment log.

The Importance of Recording Instances of Harassment