Tabitha is seated alone with other employees in the distance. Tabitha is speaking with a supervisor.

Case Study Four

I’ll Think About It

Now, looking at this from a slightly different perspective, what if the silly faces and gestures Tabitha’s co-workers were making behind Everette’s back were sexual in nature?

How would you classify their conduct?

The correct answer is unacceptable

Even if the silly faces and gestures were not sexual in nature, they are clearly rude and inappropriate. Such conduct creates a hostile work environment and violates policy. This conduct should be reported to a supervisor or HR so they can step in, investigate, and resolve the matter.

Examples of hostile work environment sexual harassment can include, but is not limited to:

  • Sexual comments or jokes;
  • Persistent flirtation or invitations for dates or other social activities;
  • Unwelcome "passes," sexual remarks, or questions about a person's body, clothing, or sexual activities;
  • Patting, pinching, or other offensive touching; and
  • Displays of sexually suggestive gestures, pictures, or objects.