Recognizing the signs of sexual harrassment
In today's modern world of "equal opportunity employers", one has to wonder just how equal they really treat people. For example an attractive person and a not so attractive person apply for the same position and the attractive person gets the job. On the surface, there is nothing wrong with this, unless the attractive person was less qualified for the job. The point here is that even today, employees can be subjected to different forms of sexual harassment. If you are unsure if you are in this horrible situation at your job, then read on for moreinformation.
This is not a warning sign, it is a blaring offense. Examples of inappropriate physical contact include touching any private areas. For the most part, there should not be a reason to touch people in the workplace. There are exceptions like handshakes and a pat on the back for a good job. Even in professions where you get to make physical contact (massage therapist, football player, etc), there is still no reason for your boss to touch you in the wrong areas.
This can be a little tricky and somewhat subject to an individual basis. If your boss compliments your outfit one day, this is probably not meant to be sexual in nature. However asking what kind of position you enjoy most during sex is definitely inappropriate. It is possible to elude to sexual subjects without having to flat out say the words and this can be very inappropriate also. Examples are: "Look at the pineapples on her!" or "I'd sure like to cook his salami". These are just a couple of examples that the person does not outright say anything wrong as such, yet you know exactly what they are talking about.
An example of this is when you and your boss are having a work conversation but he/she is not looking into your eyes but rather below the neck and above the knees. Another example of a leering look is when your boss is obviously looking you up and down or stares at you as you walk away (of course you would have to turn around in order to see this).
This means when your boss requests that you wear more "attractive" clothing or to shorten the length of your skirt. If they ask you to bend over more often or want you to go into the back with them for more than work purposes. These are not professional suggestions and should not be tolerated by anyone. Another example of a lewd suggestion is asking you to wear a see through blouse or tight fitting clothing.
These are all examples of warning signs of sexual harassment. The other thing to know is that men can be sexually harassed just as much as women can. There should not be a double standard regarding what is okay to say to a man but not a woman. For example it is not okay for a female employer to tell her male employee that he has a nice backside. This is an inappropriate statement and is harassment. There are people that joke around in such a manner and that is fine and dandy, outside of the workplace.
If you are not sure if you are being sexually harassed, then you should talk tosomeoneabout what is going on. The longer you put up with it, the longer it will continue. There are many problems with alleged sexual harassment cases. One must determine of the victim is being oversensitive or if the boss is really being a jerk.
