Sexual harassment is a serious legal issue that affects workplaces throughout the United States. Men and women in Tennessee have undoubtedly experienced it as they have fought to advance in their chosen professions. While sexual harassment can involve hostile work environments, crude comments and jokes and countless other offensive actions and behaviors, one type of sexual harassment can be a little more difficult to identify.
Quid pro quo harassment happens when a work benefit is conditioned on the fulfillment of a sexual request. For example, a supervisor may offer an employee a promotion if that employee agrees to go out on a date with the supervisor. If that employee rejects their supervisor and finds themselves demoted or even fired from their position, they may be a victim of quid pro quo harassment.
Quid pro quo harassment involves sexual advances, conditional employment opportunities and harmful or retaliatory behavior. Proving a claim of quid pro quo sexual harassment can be challenging and it is often on the pleading party to provide a strong case of the harm they have suffered in order for them to prevail. It can be helpful to those who have suffered this demoralizing form of harassment to speak with employment law attorneys about their experiences and options.
Men and women who are qualified in their fields and who have worked hard to find themselves in positions of authority can be irrevocably harmed when quid pro quo harassment derails their careers. Employers are not allowed to sexually harass their employees or condition their advancement on sexual favors. This post is offered as information only to its readers and should not be used as advice.