Evaluate the work-related situations described and indicate with a "Y" the ones that constitute sexual harassment, and with a "N" the ones that don't.
1. Nancy makes a sexually explicit comment to co-worker Jim, who has previously told her he did not appreciate comments like that.
2. Ed compliments his administrative assistant on her "shapely legs."
3. Your supervisor often asks you to lunch and usually takes you to dimly-lit places.
4. On a Monday morning, your co-worker asks you how far you went on your date over the weekend.
5. A scantily-clad female worker complains to management because male coworkers have whistled at her and gawked as she passed by.
6. You see a female associate walking down the hall with her arm around a male co-worker. You know one of them is married.
7. John sees Samantha, a co-worker, at a bar on Saturday evening, alone. He comes up behind her, puts one hand over her eyes and the other on her shoulder and whispers in her ear, "Guess who?"
8. You know two associates who regularly tell each other sexually-explicit jokes. Does this constitute sexual harassment?
9. A male supervisor calls his female subordinates names like "stupid chick" and "floozy." However, he calls his male subordinates names, too, like "wimp" and "clumsy fool." Is this sexual harassment?
10. A female associate is invited by another female associate to join her in the storage room to "fool around." Is this sexual harassment?
1.
Answer: Y
Although sexual comments should always be discouraged, they remain prevalent in the workplace and may be, in themselves, harmless. However when a fellow employee expresses that they are "unwelcome," they should be stopped immediately. Repeated, unwelcome sexual comments DO constitute sexual harassment.
2.
Answer: N
Although this, in itself, does not constitute sexual harassment, if it the coworker finds it unwelcome and if such instances are repeated, it would create a hostile environment.
3.
Answer: N
Although this, in itself, does not constitute sexual harassment, if it the coworker finds it unwelcome and if such instances are repeated, it would create a hostile environment. Supervisors should be coached to refrain from taking a single employee of the opposite sex to any private or secluded place.
4.
Answer: N
Although this, in itself, does not constitute sexual harassment, if it the coworker finds it unwelcome and if such instances are repeated, it would create a hostile environment. This same comment coming from a supervisor would be seen differently, as it is their job to "prevent" harassment.
5.
Answer: Y
This definitely describes a hostile work environment. Although insuring that employees are appropriately dressed for the workplace is something management could do to help reduce instances of harassment, the whistling and gawking does constitutes hostile environment sexual harassment and is illegal.
6.
Answer: N
Although this, in itself, does not constitute sexual harassment, if it the coworker finds it unwelcome and if such instances are repeated, it would create a hostile environment.
7.
Answer: N
Although this, in itself, does not constitute sexual harassment, if it the same type of activity is carried over into the workplace and the coworker finds it unwelcome, it would create a hostile environment.
8.
Answer: N
In itself, this does not constitute sexual harassment. However, if company email, copiers or time is being used for this activity, and if the jokes are made in the presence of other employees, a hostile work environment would be created.
9.
Answer: N
Although this Supervisor should be disciplined, his actions do not constitute sexual harassment, as they are aimed at both sexes and do not cause an unequal or disadvantageous environment for either gender.
10.
Answer: N
Although it is unclear what "fooling around" could mean, this in itself would not be considered sexual harassment. However, if the coworker finds it unwelcome and if such instances are repeated, it would create a hostile environment. Same-sex harassment is still harassment based on sex.
Take steps now to prevent sexual harassment in your workplace. Boyer Management Group offers Sexual Harassment Awareness training for employees with additional training for supervisors. We will also assist you in developing and implementing policies to promote a sexual harassment-free workplace. Please contact us at (215) 942-0982 or visit us at for more details. The above was excerpted from Sexual Harassment Awareness Training For Supervisors, ©1998-2001 by Boyer Management Group. All rights reserved.
