Sexual harassment in the workplace is generally a very disheartening experience. People pursuing careers do not want to face mistreatment because of their sex. They want coworkers and supervisors to treat them appropriately based on their job performance and personality. They also typically want to earn their advancement opportunities, rather than to manipulate relationships to secure promotions.
Unfortunately, workplace sexual harassment is still somewhat common, even if advances in public awareness have made it easier for workers to fight back. Some professionals moving into a career dominated by the opposite sex, such as women entering the construction sector, may experience a hostile work environment. Coworkers may mistreat them on the basis of their sex and make that abuse a daily component of their work life.
Other times, people might experience quid pro quo sexual harassment, which is a different matter entirely. Workers may feel cornered and at risk of losing their jobs or being stuck in their current position when they face quid pro quo sexual harassment. What types of behavior constitute quid pro quo sexual harassment?
People abuse workplace authority for personal gain
Quid pro quo harassment is different than a hostile work environment in part because it involves an uneven power dynamic. A manager, business owner or other party with a degree of professional authority uses that power to harass subordinates. Quid pro quo harassment involves the promise of career benefits for sexual favors or threats of job penalties for declining unwanted advances.
When a professional applies for a promotion, for example, their supervisor might try to solicit favors in exchange for a positive review or a reference letter. Other times, supervisors might threaten workers with punishment for declining advances or offer to overlook disciplinary issues in exchange for romantic and sexual favors.
All of these different forms of misconduct are theoretically actionable quid pro quo sexual harassment. Employees should not have to endure continued unwanted advances strengthened by threats against their employment or offers of career benefits.
Those hoping to push back against quid pro quo sexual harassment often require legal assistance. Learning about the law, documenting misconduct and holding employers accountable for inaction or retaliation can all be beneficial steps for those dealing with quid pro quo sexual harassment at work.