Some types of verbal sexual harassment are very clearly targeted at an individual employee. For example, coworkers may make lewd comments about the way that you look, the way that you dress or other aspects of your appearance. It is clear that these are specific comments meant for you individually.
But that is not the only way that sexual harassment can happen. Offensive remarks about someone’s gender could still cross the line, even if they do not target that specific employee. If you are subjected to these types of remarks, you will naturally still feel offended, and you may even feel marginalized or like you have a hostile work environment.
Examples of these types of comments
For instance, say that you are a female employee, and two of your male coworkers are discussing what to do if certain mistakes are made on the job. One of those male coworkers rolls their eyes and, while you’re in earshot, makes a comment about how women usually can’t do anything right or how women should not be trusted with important tasks. This is still a form of sexual harassment, as these are insulting comments about women in general.
Another example could be when it comes to leadership roles in the workplace. Maybe you mentioned that you put your name in for a promotion. One of your coworkers says that you will never get it because women are not dependable in leadership positions. Not only could this qualify as sexual harassment, but if you are passed over for the promotion based on your gender, it could be gender discrimination.
This helps to show some of the forms that sexual harassment can take on the job. If you find yourself in this position, it is critical that you understand all of your legal rights.