Workplace Sexual Harassment

There are two main forms of workplace sexual harassment: (1) hostile work environment and (2) quid pro quo. Quid pro quo sexual harassment deals with sexual favors in exchange for an employment outcome; the term is derived from Latin meaning “something for something” or “this for that.” A hostile work environment occurs when an employee’s work performance, psychological well-being, or work environment is affected by offensive conditions with a sexual undertone. A hostile work environment can be created by supervisors, coworkers, or nonemployees, such as customers.

A hiring manager’s refusal to hire an applicant unless the applicant performs a sexual favor is an example of quid pro quo harassment. Apart from hiring, quid pro quo harassment can also involve other benefits, such as promotion, job security, ...