Sexual harassment at work is illegal in New Jersey. Sadly, even as the world progresses by having better laws, sexual harassment is still rampant and has also adapted to people working remotely. If you have been a victim, here’s what you need to know.
New Jersey laws against sexual harassment
New Jersey employment law protects every employee from any sort of discrimination when working in-office or remotely. The Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and Title VΠ allows you to seek damages for pain and suffering caused by sexual harassment, including the attorney’s fees you used to fight for your rights.
What constitutes sexual harassment in the remote workplace?
Remote sexual harassment is conducted through a variety of modern technologies; however, they still look similar to in-office harassment. It can manifest itself in the following ways:
1. Messages that are sexually suggestive – Text messages, emojis, GIFs, pictures, emails, requests, comments, chats that contain sexual content or seem flirtatious constitute harassment.
2. Subjecting a person to sexual content – When someone deliberately or accidentally shows you’re their intimate body parts or shares pornographic video, pictures, or audio with you.
3. Statement or questions that are sexual in nature – If you are in a conference call or video meeting and someone makes flirtatious or romantic advances on you (it doesn’t have to be sexually explicit).
4. Quid pro quo sexual harassment – This is when your boss expects you to engage in sexual activity to gain favors at work, like a promotion.
5. Any other behavior that is sexual in nature – Any sort of communication or behavior that is inappropriate and makes you uncomfortable can constitute harassment.
Why is sexual harassment common in remote workplaces?
• It can be challenging to monitor the conduct of employees working together remotely through an online platform.
• Sometimes, there aren’t witnesses to prove harassment in a remote workspace.
• There is decreased civility and formality when people are working from home.
• There isn’t enough information about how employers should address online sexual behaviors.
• Most people are not aware of behaviors that constitute sexual harassment.
Speak up when you are a victim of sexual harassment. The law is on your side. Don’t let this behavior affect you and any other employer working at your company.
