Quid pro quo sexual harassment can make things very complex for an employee. This type of harassment takes place when, in exchange for sexual favors or a relationship with a supervisor, manager or executive, the employee is offered certain benefits in their career.
For example, someone may be looking to get a promotion, and their manager is in charge of deciding who will receive that promotion. The manager tells them that, if the employee will engage in a sexual or romantic relationship with them, they will make sure that the employee gets the promotion.
If you are an employee and you find yourself in this position, it is important to know that it is a form of harassment. It is illegal for those in a position of power to manipulate you into a relationship with the promise of promotions, raises or other special treatment on the job.
The other side of the coin
Additionally, employees who face this type of offer often know that there is an implied threat. It is not just that the manager will give them the promotion if they engage in a relationship, but that, should they refuse, the manager will make sure that someone else receives that promotion.
In this sense, the employee may feel like refusing to comply is going to hold their career back. This could cost them career advancement, raises, reputation in the industry and much more.
This type of harassment should never take place in a professional setting, but the unfortunate reality is that it can and does happen. Employees who are experiencing such harassment need to know how to make appropriate reports and what legal steps they can take at this critical time.