What is Quid Pro Quo Harassment?

Quid pro quo harassment is a type of workplace harassment that occurs when an employee is offered or denied a job benefit (such as a promotion, raise, or continued employment) in exchange for performing a sexual favor or for submitting to unwanted sexual advances. It is a form of sexual harassment and it is illegal. It can be committed by a supervisor, manager, or any person in a position of authority over the employee.

How do you prevent Quid Pro Quo discrimination?

Preventing quid pro quo discrimination in the workplace is a crucial step in ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and with respect. Quid pro quo discrimination refers to situations where an employee is asked or expected to engage in unwanted sexual advances or other forms of harassment in exchange for job benefits or to avoid negative consequences. To prevent this type of discrimination, it is essential to have a comprehensive policy in place that specifically prohibits quid pro quo discrimination and makes it clear that it will not be tolerated.

One of the key components of this policy should be training for managers and supervisors on what quid pro quo discrimination is and how to identify and report it. This training should also cover strategies for preventing retaliation and intimidation against employees who report discrimination. Additionally, employees should be made aware of what quid pro quo discrimination is, and they should be provided with clear instructions on what to do if they experience or witness it. This can include information on how to file a complaint, and the steps that will be taken to investigate and address the issue.

Regular reviews of the workplace environment are also important in preventing quid pro quo discrimination. These reviews should be conducted by an independent third party, and should assess the overall climate and culture of the workplace. They should also include a review of any complaints or reports of discrimination that have been made, and an examination of any patterns or trends that may indicate a problem with quid pro quo discrimination.

Overall, preventing quid pro quo discrimination requires a comprehensive approach that includes clear policies, training and education, and regular monitoring of the workplace environment. By taking these steps, employers can help create a culture of respect and inclusion that promotes the well-being and success of all employees.

What are some examples of quid pro quo harassment?

  • A supervisor offering an employee a promotion in exchange for sexual favors
  • A manager threatening to fire an employee if they do not engage in unwanted sexual behavior
  • A coworker promising to help an employee with their work in exchange for sexual favors
  • A supervisor or manager offering an employee extra shifts, bonuses, or other benefits in exchange for sexual favors.
  • A supervisor or manager threatening to demote, fire, or give negative evaluations to an employee if they do not engage in sexual behavior.
  • A supervisor or manager who retaliates against an employee who refuses to engage in sexual behavior, by giving them a poor performance evaluation, demoting them, or firing them.
  • A supervisor or manager who makes it a condition of employment that an employee must engage in sexual behavior.
  • An employee who is being pressured by a supervisor or manager to engage in sexual behavior but is afraid of losing his/her job if they refuse.