Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature or conduct based on sex that affects employment or creates legally significant workplace hostility.
In plain language, it can involve pressure for sexual favors, sexual comments, unwanted touching, explicit messages, gender-based hostility, or other conduct that changes workplace conditions. The legal analysis depends on context, severity, frequency, power relationships, reporting, and employer response.
Why it matters
Sexual harassment matters because it is a major employment-discrimination concept. It can affect hiring, promotion, discipline, job assignments, workplace safety, resignation decisions, and retaliation claims.
The term also matters because people often use it casually, while the legal concept has specific frameworks and proof questions.
Where it appears
The term often appears in:
- HR complaints
- workplace investigations
- discrimination charges
- employment lawsuits
- supervisor training
- settlement negotiations
- retaliation disputes
It may arise as quid pro quo harassment, hostile work environment harassment, or a broader sex-discrimination issue.
Practical example
A supervisor suggests that an employee’s schedule or promotion depends on accepting unwanted sexual attention. That conduct may raise a sexual-harassment issue because job benefits or conditions are being tied to sexual pressure.
How it differs from nearby terms
Sexual harassment is a specific type of harassment connected to sex or sexual conduct.
It also overlaps with hostile work environment when repeated or severe sexual conduct changes workplace conditions. Not every sexual-harassment issue is described the same way, and not every hostile-environment claim is sexual in nature.
Related terms
Quick knowledge check
Question: What makes sexual harassment an employment-law issue?
Answer: The conduct affects employment, workplace conditions, or rights protected by anti-discrimination law.
Question: Is sexual harassment always the same as hostile work environment?
Answer: No. Sexual harassment can take different forms, and hostile work environment is one legal framework that may apply.