What Sexual Harassment Is
In harassment-prevention training, sexual harassment is generally described as taking two main forms. Which pair correctly names them?
- AVerbal harassment and written harassment
- BQuid pro quo harassment and a hostile work environmentCorrect
- CCustomer harassment and coworker harassment
- DIntentional harassment and accidental harassment
Why: Sexual harassment is usually taught in two forms. Quid pro quo ("this for that") is when a job benefit — being hired, promoted, scheduled, or kept employed — is tied to submitting to sexual conduct. A hostile work environment is when unwelcome conduct is severe or pervasive enough to make the workplace intimidating, hostile, or offensive. The other choices mix up the *channel* or *intent* of conduct with these two legal categories.
Reporting and Responding
An employee experiences harassment but feels uncomfortable reporting it to their immediate supervisor, who is friends with the harasser. What does good harassment-prevention practice recommend?
- AQuit without telling anyone
- BStay silent because the supervisor is the only option
- CUse an alternative reporting channel, such as another manager, HR, an owner, or a hotline the employer providesCorrect
- DConfront the harasser physically
Why: Effective anti-harassment programs give employees more than one way to report, precisely so no one is forced to report to a person who may be biased. If the immediate supervisor is not a safe option, the employee can go to another manager, HR, an owner, or a company hotline. Staying silent, quitting, or physical confrontation are not safe or effective responses.