In some sexual harassment cases, employees who are being harassed are simply experiencing behavior that they never wanted or approved of in the first place. Maybe other workers are making inappropriate comments or jokes at their expense. Or maybe there are even issues with unwanted physical contact or a coworker who won’t stop asking them for a date.
But quid pro quo sexual harassment is a bit different in that it involves the exploitation of power dynamics within the workplace. It generally happens when someone at a higher level in the business hierarchy uses that position to manipulate a person at a lower level into a relationship.
How could this happen?
For example, a worker may be trying to climb the corporate ladder. They want to get a promotion and have applied for it. Their direct boss is the one in charge of determining who gets the promotion out of all the applicants.
Knowing this, their boss approaches the employee and says that, in exchange for a sexual relationship on the side, they’ll make sure that the employee is the one who gets the promotion. They may also promise other benefits, like a substantial raise. In addition, there may be an implied or veiled threat: If the employee refuses the proposal, then they certainly won’t get the promotion, and they may actually risk losing the job they already have.
Employees in this position often feel like they are being pressured, but they’re not sure what other options they have. If this is happening to you, rest assured that this type of sexual harassment is illegal, as is any potential retaliation, such as firing you for making a report. Take the time to carefully look into all of your legal options.
