Harassment in the workplace can play out in many forms, and one of the most damaging types is quid pro quo harassment. The Latin term “quid pro quo” means “this for that,” and in a work setting, it refers to a situation where employment decisions are conditioned on an employee submitting to unwelcome advances or behavior.
Understanding what quid pro quo harassment entails, recognizing the signs and knowing what steps to take are essential to protecting yourself and maintaining a safe work environment.
What is quid pro quo harassment?
Quid pro quo harassment happens when an influential employee offers you employment benefits in exchange for favors or threatens unwarranted consequences if you don’t comply. You may encounter quid pro quo harassment from:
- Your manager
- A supervisor
- A colleague with influence
In a quid pro quo situation, you may feel forced into an impossible position where you have to give into something you don’t want in exchange for:
- A job offer you likely qualify for
- A promotion
- A raise you may be entitled to anyway
- Favorable job assignments
The person in the position of power may be offended if you turn down their unwanted advances and threaten to:
- Demote you
- Fire you
- Give you a poor performance review
Suppose you feel caught between a rock and a hard place at work, where you have to choose between doing something you don’t want and facing unwarranted consequences. In that case, you may be experiencing quid pro quo harassment.
What to do if you experience quid pro quo harassment
If you believe you are a victim of quid pro quo harassment, it’s important to keep a record of all inappropriate:
- Conversations
- Emails
- Texts
- Interactions
You will need concrete evidence to strengthen your case if you need to file a formal complaint.
If your company has an established reporting procedure for harassment, follow it. This might involve speaking to your HR department or using an anonymous reporting tool.
Quid pro quo harassment is a serious violation of your workplace rights and result in lasting impacts on your career, mental health and overall well-being. If you believe you’re experiencing this form of harassment, seeking compassionate legal support can potentially help you to stop the harassment and holding those responsible accountable.