Jokes are common in the workplace, but they can sometimes take an inappropriate turn. For instance, people may begin making lewd or sexually suggestive remarks. What starts out as a lighthearted conversation can take a problematic turn.
Additionally, individuals often try to excuse their behavior by saying, “I was just joking.” They may make inappropriate comments about a coworker’s physical appearance or sexual identity, and if that coworker objects or says the behavior is inappropriate, they may claim the coworker is being too sensitive or lacks a sense of humor. However, these actions can often constitute sexual harassment – despite their claims that they were merely joking.
Direct harassment
In some cases, harassment is direct. If you are targeted by repeated sexual jokes, it can make you feel insulted and marginalized in the workplace. For example, if you are a woman working in a male-dominated field, you may feel that these comments are specifically aimed at making you uncomfortable or insecure in your job.
Hostile work environment
Even if the behavior isn’t aimed at you directly, repeated inappropriate comments or jokes can create a hostile work environment. You may feel uneasy simply being in the office with individuals who regularly engage in such behavior. Coworkers may argue that the jokes are harmless or claim, “No one else has a problem with it,” but these are just excuses for inappropriate actions.
If you believe you have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination at work, it’s essential to understand your legal options and take steps to address the situation. It may help to work with an experienced law firm that has taken many of these cases in the past.
