TTrueConductAcademy
Lesson 6.7 of 10Module progress: 9 of 14

Lesson 6.7

Sexual Harassment & Inappropriate Sexual Behavior

Estimated time: 9 minutes

A professional workplace requires appropriate sexual boundaries.

Unwanted sexual behavior can come from:

  • coworkers
  • supervisors
  • employees
  • customers
  • vendors
  • contractors
  • others connected to the workplace

It can affect people of any gender.

Examples of Inappropriate Conduct

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

  • unwanted sexual comments
  • sexual jokes directed at someone
  • repeated comments about someone’s body
  • unwanted touching
  • repeated romantic or sexual requests after disinterest is clear
  • sending sexual images or messages
  • pressuring someone for a relationship
  • offering workplace benefits in exchange for sexual attention
  • threatening workplace consequences because someone rejected an advance

Scenario — “Just Give Me a Chance”

A supervisor repeatedly asks an employee to go out with him.

She declines.

He continues.

Later he says:

“You should think carefully. I decide who gets the best shifts.”

This is no longer simply an invitation.

The power of the job is being connected to unwanted personal attention.

That is a serious workplace concern.

“But They Didn’t Say No”

Silence does not always mean something was welcomed.

People may freeze, feel uncomfortable, worry about authority or fear consequences.

Professional boundaries should not depend on forcing another person to repeatedly defend themselves.

Workplace Relationships

Not every consensual relationship between adults automatically becomes harassment.

But workplaces may have rules about:

  • supervisors dating people they directly manage
  • conflicts of interest
  • disclosure
  • favoritism

Employees should follow applicable workplace policy.

More Workplace Examples

Repeated unwanted comments

A coworker repeatedly comments on an employee’s body despite visible discomfort.

Treat this as a workplace boundary concern, not harmless attention.

BETTER RESPONSE

Use the appropriate reporting process; the employee need not confront the person before seeking help.

Sexual jokes

A staff member directs sexual jokes at a colleague during a team meeting.

Calling it humor does not make unwanted sexual behavior appropriate.

BETTER RESPONSE

Follow workplace policy for raising the concern.

Unwanted messages

A vendor sends unwanted sexual messages to an employee’s work phone.

Harassment concerns can involve people outside the staff team.

BETTER RESPONSE

Seek support through the approved reporting channel and handle any records according to workplace policy.

Pressure linked to benefits

A supervisor suggests an employee will receive better work opportunities in exchange for sexual attention.

Work benefits must not be used as leverage.

BETTER RESPONSE

Raise the concern through a safe, appropriate channel, including an alternative reporting contact if the supervisor is involved.

Inappropriate touching

A customer touches an employee in an unwanted sexual way.

BETTER RESPONSE

Prioritize safety and seek appropriate assistance. Follow workplace policy and applicable local procedures

this training does not determine legal definitions.

Remember

Workplace authority, schedules, promotions, pay or opportunities should never be used as leverage for sexual attention.

The International Labour Organization’s (ILO’s) current guidance for enterprises specifically addresses prevention and response to violence and harassment at work, including gender-based violence and harassment.