People who see each other regularly may develop a mutual attraction. Other times, there may be one-sided interest on the part of one party but not the other.
Workplace romances are somewhat common. Occasionally, what starts as an innocent infatuation can eventually culminate in sexual harassment. Someone in a position of authority in the workplace might try to push another person to consent to dates or sexual encounters. They may use their authority in the workplace as leverage. In such cases, the subordinate employee may potentially have reason to assert that they experienced sexual harassment.
Quid pro quo harassment is illegal
Sexual harassment typically falls into two distinct categories. Some people experience a hostile work environment because of their sex. Others might experience quid pro quo sexual harassment.
Supervisors or business owners might threaten to withhold promotions, raises and other opportunities if workers do not acquiesce to their demands. Other times, they might threaten punishments, such as write-ups or termination, for repeated refusals.
Quid pro quo harassment puts workers in a position where they have to choose between their personal ethics and their career development. They may develop mental health challenges as they deal with the constant pressure from someone in a position of power. The harassment they experience and its impact on their job performance could negatively affect their career development.
Workers who have experienced quid pro quo sexual harassment may need help documenting what happened, communicating with their employers and determining if they can take legal action. Filing a sexual harassment lawsuit can hold an employer accountable for allowing quid pro quo harassment to occur or retaliating against workers who report sexual harassment involving a supervisor.