Sexual harassment can damage a professional’s career, impact their mental health and even isolate them from their colleagues. It can take workers years to overcome the negative impact that harassment at work has on their prospects.
Some allegations of sexual harassment relate to hostile work environments. Those in positions of power or a group of co-workers make abuse such a common experience that enduring abuse seems to be a job requirement.
Other times, workers may experience quid pro quo sexual harassment. Quid pro quo harassment often involves one other person instead of a group of people. Professionals need to recognize quid pro quo harassment if they want to fight back against it and protect their careers.
Personal favors shouldn’t affect professional prospects
It is easy for someone in a position of authority to misuse that career power for nefarious purposes. Some companies have clear rules prohibiting coworker relationships to eliminate the risk of quid pro quo harassment.
Even when professionals can theoretically date one another, the standard for such relationships should be enthusiastic mutual consent. Those in positions of authority should not use their workplace power to solicit favors or pressure others into accepting their advances.
Quid pro quo harassment occurs when one party promises professional benefits or threatens career consequences in relation to their romantic or sexual overtures. Offering to promote a worker for providing no-strings-attached intimacy is a form of quid pro quo harassment. So is threatening to write up or fire a worker for declining unwanted advances.
Professionals experiencing quid pro quo sexual harassment may need to document what they experience carefully and review their circumstances with a skilled legal team to determine their options. Fighting back against workplace sexual harassment can lead to consequences for a harasser and possibly compensation for a targeted individual.
