Is “Locker Room Talk” in the Workplace Sexual Harassment?

The discourse that has followed a political candidate’s recently released 2005 statements regarding women has brought renewed interest in the impact of “locker room talk” in the workplace, as well as when such talk violates the law. Sexual harassment occurs when a work-related benefit is conditioned on the granting of a sexual favor, when an employee or co-worker is subjected to unwanted sexual advances, where hostile conduct is based on the victim’s gender, and when there is offensive, sexually charged workplace behavior. Although sexual banter and ribbing of co-workers can be a basis for a sexual harassment claim, there is only a viable claim of harassment if the conduct at issue is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the terms and conditions of employment. Thus, one offensive comment, alone, will generally not support a claim for harassment. Regardless, one comment can result in a claim being made against the employer. Further, when one off-color comment is made in the workplace and it is not dealt with swiftly and appropriately, the employer is often viewed as being complacent. It is best for employers to create a work environment that maintains respect and prohibits conduct that may one day be used as evidence of harassment.

One of the best ways to maintain a respectful workplace is to educate managers and employees about what constitutes harassment, how to report conduct believed to be harassment and to provide training on promoting respect and civility in the workplace. The September 1, 2016, blog post discussed the EEOC’s Report on its Special Task Force Study of Harassment in the Workplace and what types of training are most effective.

Jennifer Fowler-Hermes
jfowler-hermes@williamsparker.com
941-552-2558