How Do I Know if My Boss’ Advances are Quid Pro Quo?
The workplace is where a diverse group of people come together to try and help the company grow and sustain itself for many years. A diverse group of people means a wide array of influences, backgrounds, and opinions. Sometimes a statement or suggestion made by your boss could mean one thing to your boss, but something completely different to you. The key to good communication in the workplace is to make sure that differences are discussed and crossing the line is never accepted.
A Quid Pro Quo Sexual Advance
When your boss makes a sexual advance that is quid pro quo, that means that your boss is offering something in return for sexual favors. It could be a raise or it could be that promotion you want, but the implication is that you only get those things if you agree to sexual favors.
Understanding Is Critical
Each person has a different way of expressing themselves, and you do not want to start a sexual harassment claim based on a misunderstanding. Your first step is to clarify their statement to make sure the meaning is understood. If the statement is indeed the sexual advance you thought it was, then your next steps are very important.
Protecting Yourself
Once you have established an understanding of the quid pro quo sexual advance, your next step should be to deny the advance. More than likely, your boss chose a time when you two were alone to make such an advance. You do not want to give your boss a chance to make follow up statements or physical advances with no one around either.
File Your Claim
Some people file a sexual harassment claim after a first event, while others wait to see if the attacker realizes what they have done and they decide to back off. The choice is yours, but you should not hesitate to file a sexual harassment claim if you feel that you have been harassed in the workplace.
A quid pro quo sexual advance can make a victim feel many different ways. We are proud to say that sometimes our clients come to us just so we can answer questions for them. Our sexual harassment attorneys will sit down with you and discuss your situation. We will find out how the situation made you feel, and we can make recommendations based on your information. At the same time, if you have filed a sexual harassment report for a quid pro quo sexual advance and nothing has happened, then our attorneys can review your case and let you know the options available to you.