What are the signs of sexual harassment at work?
The signs of sexual harassment at work include inappropriate comments. So, it's verbal, it's touching, and it's asking for dates. Those are the three main categories.
Verbal is if they make inappropriate comments, jokes, emails, text messages, things of a sexual nature that are inappropriate and not right for the workplace. That's one sign.
Number two is inappropriate touching. If a workplace co-worker or manager or supervisor tries to touch you in places that you don't feel comfortable or hugs you too long or tries to kiss you or do other things to you that you don't feel comfortable with. That's the second sign.
The third sign of sexual harassment is inappropriately asking for dates. Asking when are we going to go out to lunch together? When are we going to go out together? When are we going to see each other off of work hours? Those types of things lead to sexual harassment.
If any one of those three things happens to you, talk to an attorney. Maybe they'll ask you some questions and help clarify whether or not sexual harassment is actually going on in your workplace or not.
It doesn't have to be "sexual" to count
The three patterns in the video — comments, touching, and pressure for dates — are the most common, but California's Fair Employment and Housing Act also covers hostile treatment based on someone's sex or gender that isn't romantic or sexual at all. The harasser doesn't need to be attracted to you, and it can come from a coworker, client, or vendor, not just a manager.
A common misunderstanding is that one comment "doesn't count." The law generally looks at whether conduct was severe or pervasive — a single serious incident can be enough on its own, or a string of smaller ones can add up even if no single one would qualify alone.
What to do next
Start writing down what was said or done, when, and who was around, as soon as you notice a pattern forming. Save texts, emails, or messages instead of deleting them out of discomfort — an employment attorney can review the details, often for free, and tell you whether it fits the legal definition of harassment.
More questions, answered.
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