Sexual harassment does not stop just because you are working from home. Without face-to-face interaction, it may be easier for harassers to engage in inappropriate behavior, thinking they can avoid detection.
As an employee, you have every right to work in a safe and respectful environment, regardless of where you are located.
Ways sexual harassment can take forms virtually
Sexual harassment can manifest in various ways in remote work set-ups, including, but not limited to:
- Inappropriate comments or jokes in video calls
- Unwanted sexual messages or images sent through work platforms
- Pressure to engage in virtual sexual activities
- Stalking or excessive contact through work channels
- Sharing of offensive sexual content during online meetings
- Gender-based stereotypes in chat rooms
In some cases, harassers may offer job benefits such as promotions and bonuses in exchange for their inappropriate requests. These behaviors can foster a hostile work environment, even in remote settings.
What you can do if experiencing sexual harassment
It is important to remember that you are not without legal protections. The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act protects Michigan workers from discrimination and harassment based on sex.
The law obligates employers to maintain a harassment-free work environment, even in remote work set-ups. If you have informed your employer about the issue and they fail to address it, you may have grounds for legal action.
In Michigan, you have 180 days from when the sexual harassment occurred to file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Under federal law, you may file your complaint within a year. If you have taken these steps and the harassment continues, it may be time to tap the experience of an employment law attorney in Michigan.