Video Vignettes ID: 3229

Just Asking... (from Sexual Harassment? You Decide™)

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Unwelcomed Pursuit by a Manager

Unwelcome romantic pursuit in the workplace can constitute harassment, particularly when it involves a power imbalance. Under federal and state anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a supervisor or manager who pursues or propositions a subordinate places the organization at significant legal risk. Such conduct may be deemed quid pro quo harassment, where submission to or rejection of the advances could impact the employee’s job conditions, or may contribute to a hostile work environment.

Additional Information

Supervisors and managers must never proposition or pursue employees they directly or indirectly supervise. Even seemingly “social” invitations can cross boundaries if they are unwelcome, repeated, or create pressure due to the inherent authority of the manager’s role.

While consensual relationships between co-workers at the same level may not automatically violate the law, they still require caution. Employers should have clear policies on workplace relationships, emphasize the importance of consent and professionalism, and require disclosure where conflicts of interest may arise.

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  • Ensuring Professional & Compliant Behavior

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