An employer has a duty to provide a safe work environment to employees. Employees should be able to do their jobs free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can come in many different forms. Anytime a workplace becomes hostile, offensive or intimidating for employees, sexual harassment can flourish. Listed below are just some of the types of sexual harassment that can occur in the workplace.

Common Forms of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

• A supervisor openly states or implies that an employee must sleep with him or her to keep a job.
• A coworker or supervisor grabs, pinches or fondles an employee.
• Employees send emails to coworkers that include sexually-explicit language, images, videos or jokes.
• An employee’s coworkers or supervisor belittles him or her with sexist or demeaning language.
• An employee makes demeaning sexual comments about other coworkers, customers or clients.
• An employee feels uncomfortable due to a supervisor’s sexually explicit jokes or comments.

What Should You Do

If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, contact the experienced legal team at Weldon & Rothman, PL. In addition to contacting an experienced sexual harassment attorney as swiftly as possible, you should also file an internal report with your employer. If you’re not sure how to do that, consult an employee handbook or speak with a supervisor or human resources representative. If you’re being sexually harassed by a supervisor, it may be necessary to go outside of the traditional channels to file an internal complaint.

The Next Level

It may also be necessary to file a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). In many cases, reporting sexual harassment incidents is time sensitive, so it’s important to document everything and speak with somebody as soon as possible. Additionally, your lawyer can also file a civil lawsuit in either the state or federal court on your behalf.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is unacceptable. No employee should have to work in a hostile environment. The experienced team at Weldon & Rothman, PL understands the courage it takes to even come forward with your complaint. We can be your advocate during this difficult time, and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida citizens with employment law issues contact an experienced local Florida employment law attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their labor and employment law matter. If you have been the victim of illegal activities at your workplace, then feel free to contact Attorney Rothman at Weldon & Rothman, PL toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail at info@weldonrothman.com

Bradley P. Rothman is an experienced Florida employment law attorney who has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star.  He is a principal member of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.