{"id":357718,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/understanding-on-line-sexual-harassment.html"},"modified":"2025-05-30T14:56:57","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T19:56:57","slug":"understanding-on-line-sexual-harassment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/understanding-on-line-sexual-harassment.html","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Harassment and Remote Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sexual Harassment and Remote Work<\/h1>\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Sexual harassment in remote work settings, although occurring in a virtual environment, is still subject to the same legal standards as in-person harassment. It can manifest as quid pro quo harassment or create a hostile work environment through inappropriate messages, comments during video calls, or social media interactions. Both are forms of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and state laws.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Many of us began working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic<\/a>. Some eventually went back to an in-person office setting. Others maintained a remote or hybrid work schedule. Reports in 2025<\/a> indicate we have about 32.6 million remote employees in the United States.<\/p>\r\n

This virtual environment brings with it new challenges and considerations. But your rights to a harassment-free workplace<\/a> haven\u2019t changed. While sexual harassment might look a little different in our new workspaces, the issue remains a problem.<\/p>\r\n

If you suspect you\u2019re experiencing sexual harassment as a remote employee, it\u2019s highly advisable that you speak with a sexual harassment or employment lawyer<\/a>. They can help you understand the remedies and protections available to you at this uncharted time.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explore sexual harassment in this new virtual environment and some principles to keep in mind. Let\u2019s start with a review of workplace sexual harassment.<\/p>\r\n

Sexual Harassment<\/h2>\r\n

Sexual harassment<\/a> is a form of sex discrimination<\/a>. It involves unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature or based on sex\/gender, and it creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. The unwanted conduct can be verbal, physical, or visual.<\/p>\r\n

Because remote work typically involves physical separation, physical sexual harassment is generally not possible in a purely remote setting. But, unfortunately, other kinds are.<\/p>\r\n

There are two main types of workplace sexual harassment. Both can occur in a remote work setting.<\/p>\r\n

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment<\/h3>\r\n

Quid pro quo sexual harassment <\/a>involves employment decisions. It occurs when someone in a position of power offers or demands sexual favors in exchange for a job benefit. This could be a promotion, a raise, or just not getting fired. If the targeted employee refuses, they might face negative consequences, like termination or demotion.<\/p>\r\n

For example, a manager suggests that an employee go on a date with them in exchange for a positive performance review.<\/p>\r\n

In a remote environment<\/a>, a supervisor might use a messaging platform or chat app to pressure a subordinate into a sexual relationship to get a promotion or favorable work assignments.<\/p>\r\n

Either way, this is quid pro quo sexual harassment.<\/p>\r\n

Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment<\/h3>\r\n

Hostile work environment<\/a> is the other kind of workplace sexual harassment. This type of harassment occurs when the unwelcome behavior is so frequent or severe that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.  <\/p>\r\n

This type of harassment doesn’t have to be directed at the person feeling harassed. And it doesn’t have to come from someone in a position of power. Hostile work environment harassment can be from co-workers or clients too.<\/p>\r\n

For example, Morgan constantly tells a co-worker they\u2019d get more clients if they dressed sexier and that they\u2019re too hot to be sitting at a desk.<\/p>\r\n

In a remote setting, hostile work environment harassment <\/a>might look a little different. It could involve:<\/p>\r\n