What Does Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Look Like?

Sexual harassment in the workplace isn’t always overt - and it doesn’t always look like what we see in movies or hear about in headlines. In reality, it can be subtle, systemic, and often dismissed as “just a joke” or “harmless behaviour.” But the impact is very real, and it can damage careers, mental health, and workplace culture.

Here’s what sexual harassment in the workplace can look like:

1. Exclusion Based on Gender or Orientation

Being intentionally left out of meetings, projects, or social events due to your gender, sexuality, or relationship status can be a form of harassment. This isn’t just bad team dynamics - it can be a deliberate effort to isolate or disempower someone.

Example: A male manager invites only male team members to a golf day with a client, leaving out female colleagues despite them working on the same account.

2. Inappropriate Comments or Jokes

Unwanted comments about someone’s appearance, clothing, personal life, or sexuality - even if framed as a joke - cross the line. This includes so-called “compliments” that make someone uncomfortable or sexual innuendos disguised as humour.

Example: A coworker repeatedly comments on what you’re wearing, says things like, “You’d get more sales if you smiled more,” or jokes about “sleeping your way to the top.”

3. Unwanted Physical Contact

Any unwanted touch - from hugs and shoulder rubs to brushing past someone too closely - can be harassment. It doesn’t have to be extreme to be inappropriate.

Example: A senior colleague greets you with a kiss on the cheek, even though you’ve expressed discomfort, or touches your lower back while talking.

4. Inappropriate Contact After Hours

Sending sexually suggestive messages, texts, or DMs outside of work hours is a growing concern - and it’s still considered workplace harassment. The timing doesn’t excuse the behaviour.

Example: A coworker starts sending flirty messages on Instagram or texts late at night commenting on your looks, despite you showing no interest.

Sexual harassment can take many forms - and it often exists in grey areas that people feel too unsure, embarrassed, or fearful to report. But if the behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or disrespected, it’s valid and worth speaking up about.

Every workplace has a responsibility to protect its employees from harassment. That includes creating clear policies, encouraging open reporting, and fostering a culture where boundaries are respected - not blurred.

If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts and know your rights.