Like most employees, you probably value your job. In fact, you probably need your job in order to pay your bills every month.

While that should make you a conscientious and hard-working employee, it should not make you vulnerable to sexual harassment by a supervisor.

“What should I do though if my supervisor is sending me inappropriate texts or pictures” you may be wondering.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself in that situation.

First, it is important to know that both federal law and the law of the State of Florida prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace.

In fact, it is well established law in the United States that it is unlawful to harass an applicant or employee because of that person’s sex.

The term “harassment” can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

A supervisor sending inappropriate pictures or texts would likely qualify.

The law does not prohibit isolated incidences (if they are not serious) or harmless teasing; however, if the conduct is “so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision” it amounts to illegal conduct and is actionable.

As the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace there are several important steps you should take.

1. Document the conduct. If you are receiving texts or pictures that are clearly inappropriate, don’t delete them. Upload them to a computer or other storage device and hold on to them. Without putting yourself in danger, document the conduct to the best of your ability.
2. File a formal complaint/report. Most companies now have formal procedures in place for reporting discrimination or harassment in the workplace. Follow those written procedures if they exist and filed a complaint against the offender. If no formal written procedure exists, put your complaint in writing and send it to Human Resources or to your Supervisor’s boss.
3. Contact an attorney. If, after filing a formal complaint, the conduct continues, it is time to talk to an experienced Florida employment law attorney. As a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace you may be entitled to monetary damages from your employer.

If you believe that you are the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, contact the experienced Florida employment law attorneys at Celler Legal, P.A..