Key elements of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Very often situations that start off innocently end up in inappropriate and unprofessional behaviors. It is important to remember that workplace sexual harassment is sexual, unwelcome and the experience is subjective. It is the impact and not the intent that matters and it almost always occurs in a matrix of power. It is possible that a woman may experience a single instance of sexual harassment or a series of incidents over a period of time. It is important also to remember that each case is unique and should be examined in its own context and according to the surrounding circumstances as a whole. The following table highlights the subjective nature of the experience and the impact it may have on the person involved, irrespective of the intent of such behavior. To enable prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace, it is critical to recognize and differentiate between welcome and unwelcome sexual behavior. Listed are some examples of how “unwelcome” and “welcome” behavior is experienced.