Sexual harassment isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s the jokes that don’t stop, the way someone looks at you, or the tension that builds when you walk into a room. It’s any unwanted sexual behavior — and it doesn’t have to be physical to create a hostile environment.
Sexual harassment can happen in any workplace and involve employees at every level. If you’re dealing with offensive comments, unwelcome advances, or any other kind of unacceptable behavior, you have legal rights, and you deserve support. Here’s a closer look at the signs of subtle workplace sexual harassment and what to do if you experience it.
Examples of Subtle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Not every kind of sexual harassment looks the same. Some forms are easy to name while others hide behind “just joking” or “friendly” gestures. But if someone’s behavior makes you uncomfortable and it keeps happening, that discomfort matters. There are four general categories of workplace sexual harassment:
- Verbal
- Non-verbal
- Physical
- Relationship-related
Below is an overview of what each type may look like, along with a few specific examples.
Verbal Sexual Harassment
Verbal sexual harassment can make you second-guess yourself. You might wonder if you’re being “too sensitive.” You’re not.
It can take many forms, but some are more obvious than others. These are some less-obvious examples:
- Making sexual jokes (or even jokes with sexual innuendo)
- Making comments on your physical appearance
- Flirting
- Asking questions about your sexual history
Many people who have dealt with this kind of harassment question themselves or worry that they’re overreacting. Listen to your gut. If a coworker’s words repeatedly make you uncomfortable, there’s a good chance their conduct falls under the umbrella of sexual harassment.
Non-Verbal Sexual Harassment
Non-verbal harassment — like stares or gestures — can make you feel watched, even when nothing’s being said. These are a few examples:
- Staring
- Looking you up and down (“elevator eyes”)
- Displaying sexually suggestive images
- Sending flirtatious texts or DMs
- Making sexual gestures
This kind of harassment can be especially challenging to address. Often, perpetrators will try to deny or downplay their actions.
Physical Sexual Harassment
Physical harassment isn’t always as clear-cut as an assault. It can start small — a hand on your shoulder that lingers too long, a hug you didn’t want. These small violations can build up and create real fear:
- Touching your hair or clothing
- Giving unwanted massages
- Hugging without permission
- Leaning very close or invading your personal space
- Cornering you or blocking your path
If someone is acting this way toward you, don’t just brush it off. In some cases, people who engage in these kinds of behaviors will escalate over time.
Relationship-Related Sexual Harassment
Relationship-related harassment is often rooted in coercion and exploiting power dynamics. This includes when someone in power pressures you to spend time with them, flirts even after you’ve said no, or hints that your job depends on how you respond — that’s harassment. It may not sound like a threat, but it carries one.
However, relationship-related sexual harassment can also take much subtler forms. For example, if your boss continually pressures you to spend time with them outside of work, you may fear that your job will be in jeopardy if you say no.
The Impact of Sexual Harassment at Work
Inappropriate behavior at work can have far-reaching impacts. Sometimes, people who have experienced subtle sexual harassment think that it won’t have lasting effects. However, even seemingly minor incidents can adversely affect you over time.
These are some of the many ways sexual harassment can impact you and your workplace as a whole:
Mental and Physical Health Effects
Sexual harassment can seriously impact your mental health. Going into a work environment where you face inappropriate behavior on a daily basis can make you anxious and depressed, and it could even contribute to PTSD.
As your stress builds, you might start to experience physical effects as well. Nausea, headaches, and trouble sleeping are some of the most common physical symptoms of long-term stress.
Career Impacts
Being the target of sexual harassment can affect your career in a number of different ways. You might have trouble focusing at work due to the stress of harassment, and your performance could suffer as a result.
If harassment persists and your workplace refuses to address it, you might choose to leave your job and find another. This kind of interruption in your career trajectory might damage your earning potential.
In severe cases, victims who report sexual harassment may be ostracized by others in their company (or even in their broader professional circle). This kind of treatment can cause long-lasting, undeserved professional damage.
Impact on the Workplace as a Whole
When sexual harassment becomes part of the workday, the whole company suffers. Even if they aren’t targeted directly, some coworkers may feel unsafe. Others might see the harassment, assume it’s tolerated, and start harassing coworkers themselves.
Over time, the company may develop a hostile culture that damages employees’ well-being and even workplace performance as a whole.
Why Workplace Sexual Harassment Is So Challenging to Deal With
Reporting harassment takes courage. Many people hesitate because they’re afraid of losing their jobs, being labeled “difficult,” or not being believed, especially when the person responsible has authority or influence.
Gender stereotypes make it even harder. Women who don’t fit people’s ideas of “femininity” may be dismissed. Men who come forward are often told to “man up.” These barriers don’t make your experience less real — they just show how deeply bias runs in the workplace.
What to Do if You Experience Workplace Sexual Harassment
If you’ve been made a target for workplace sexual harassment, you don’t have to tolerate it. However, you might understandably be concerned about being retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment at work. This isn’t a challenge you have to navigate alone.
Your first step should be to document the harassment as much as you can. Keep a running log of each instance and when it happened. Seek support from those you trust, and if you are comfortable doing so, approach your workplace’s HR department with your concerns.
If you don’t feel like you can safely take these steps, seek out professional help for workplace sexual harassment. There are many organizations and online resources that can support you in understanding and protecting your rights.
