How to Recognize and Stop Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Last updated on April 25, 2025
Measuring how vital a safe work environment and effective leadership are to your productivity and long-term career growth is hard.
And while most relationships in the workplace are professional, sometimes those in leadership positions cross the line with unwelcomed sexual advances and threats of retaliation.
The following article explains what quid pro quo sexual harassment is, highlights common examples of the behavior, and provides actionable tips on how Californians can protect themselves from being harmed by it.
What is quid pro quo sexual harassment?
Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor or someone in leadership requires an employee to comply with sexual demands in return for workplace benefits.
The benefits exchanged in quid pro quo sexual harassment can take many forms, but the most common are:
- promotions
- salary increases
- bonuses
- extra time off
- desirable work assignments
It’s important to note that quid pro quo sexual harassment differs from other forms of sexual harassment, such as a hostile work environment or verbal harassment.
A hostile work environment refers to unwelcome and pervasive behavior that interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job.
In contrast, quid pro quo sexual harassment involves a direct exchange of sexual favors for workplace benefits or the threat of employment action if the favors aren’t granted.
Examples of quid pro quo sexual harassment
Recognizing the signs of quid pro quo sexual harassment can help protect yourself and others in the workplace.
Here are examples of suggestive or explicit behavior that may indicate quid pro quo sexual harassment:
- A supervisor offers a promotion in exchange for sexual favors
- Threatening to fire an employee if they don’t engage in sexual acts
- Threatening disciplinary action (such as write-ups or demotions) for not complying with sexual advances
- Verbal harassment that implies sexual advances will lead to career advancement
- Offering rewards to an employee who gives in to sexual demands
- Demanding sexual favors in exchange for a promotion
- Giving preferential treatment to employees who engage in sexual activities
How does the law protect Californians?
Sexual harassment can be stressful when trying to face it on your own.
The good news is that federal and state laws are here to protect Californians against this type of harassment.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from sex-based harassment, including quid pro quo sexual harassment.
California Government Code Section 12940
Section 12940 prohibits discrimination based on any protected class. This includes sex-based discrimination.
As a result, employees who face any type of sexual harassment, including quid pro quo harassment, are entitled to protection under the law.
California’s Equal Housing and Employment Act (FEHA)
FEHA prohibits quid pro quo sexual harassment, making it illegal to demand sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits or to retaliate against an employee who refuses such demands.
Additionally, the FEHA makes it unlawful for an employer to fail to take reasonable steps to prevent a hostile work environment from arising, which can include quid pro quo sexual harassment.
To win a quid pro quo harassment case under FEHA, the plaintiff must demonstrate the following:
- Harassment
- Employment Status (employed by, applying to, or contracting with the alleged harasser)
- Linked Benefits, such as employment decisions conditioned on acceptance of advances
- The alleged harasser’s role at the employer
- Injury (lost wages, emotional distress, etc.)
- Causation
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Employees who have experienced quid pro quo sexual harassment can file a complaint with the EEOC.
The EEOC will investigate their harassment claims matter and take appropriate action against the employer.
Employees have 180 days to file a claim with the EEOC, so it is crucial to act quickly.
How to stop quid pro quo sexual harassment
Employees must assert their rights under the law if they feel uncomfortable or pressured into complying with a superior’s sexual advances.
Here are some steps victims can take if they experience this kind of harassment.
Report the harassment
Report the harassment to your supervisor, HR representative, or another trusted authority figure. Be specific about what happened, and provide any evidence you have.
Document the behavior
Keep a record of any suggestive or explicit behavior. Write down what happened, where and when, and who was present. Save any emails, text messages, or voicemails related to the harassment.
Seek emotional support
Sexual harassment can be emotionally damaging. Consider seeking emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist. Victims should also know their legal options and know that they are not alone.
Hire a sexual harassment attorney
Victims of quid pro quo sexual harassment should consider seeking the services of a sexual harassment attorney for several reasons.
An attorney can help victims in the following ways:
- Explain legal options and file a complaint with the appropriate agency
- Provide valuable guidance and support throughout the legal process
- An attorney may be able to negotiate a settlement with the employer
- File a lawsuit on the victim’s behalf
- Protect the victim from retaliation and ensure that their legal rights are upheld
- Hold their employer accountable for their actions and pursue justice for the harm they have suffered
Assert your rights under the law today
Understanding quid pro quo sexual harassment is necessary to ensure safe and respectful workplaces for all employees.
Employers must take responsibility for preventing and addressing this type of harassment, and employees must understand their rights and the avenues for reporting and seeking support.
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, our experienced team can help you find relief today.
FAQ
What is quid pro quo sexual harassment?
Quid pro quo harassment involves a scenario where a supervisor or someone in a position of power demands sexual favors from an employee in exchange for job benefits, such as promotions or salary raises.
It can also happen when an employee is threatened with negative consequences if they reject sexual advances.
What is an example of a quid pro quo?
An example of a quid pro quo in sexual harassment is when an employee is threatened with losing their job or receiving disciplinary action if they don’t comply with their supervisor’s sexual advances.
What is the difference between quid pro quo harassment and a hostile work environment?
Quid pro quo harassment involves a direct exchange of sexual favors for job benefits or the threat of negative consequences if the favors aren’t granted.
In contrast, a hostile work environment refers to pervasive and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.
How to prove quid pro quo harassment
To prove quid pro quo harassment, victims must provide evidence that a supervisor or someone in a position of power demanded sexual favors in exchange for job benefits or threatened negative consequences if an employee did not grant the favors.
Evidence can include emails, text messages, audio recordings, or witness statements.
What Counts as Sexual Harassment in a Los Angeles Workplace? With Real Examples
Not all uncomfortable workplace behavior is illegal — but when the line is crossed into sexual harassment, you have the right to speak up and take action. In Los Angeles, employees benefit from strong protections under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and local LA ordinances.
This guide explains what counts as sexual harassment in a Los Angeles workplace, with clear examples and legal definitions to help you know when to report and what steps to take.
How Los Angeles Defines Workplace Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in Los Angeles is defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that either:
- Affects employment decisions (e.g., hiring, firing, promotion), or
- Creates a hostile or offensive work environment
This includes both verbal and non-verbal behavior, and it can come from supervisors, coworkers, clients, or even customers.
Two main types:
- Quid Pro Quo: Job benefits are tied to sexual favors
- Hostile Work Environment: Repeated offensive behavior that makes the workplace intolerable
Even one serious incident — like groping or a sexual proposition — may qualify.
Verbal Sexual Harassment Examples in LA Workplaces
Los Angeles courts have ruled that repeated verbal abuse can create a hostile environment. Some examples include:
- Persistent sexual jokes or comments
- Commenting on someone’s body, clothing, or sex life
- Repeated romantic or sexual advances after rejection
- Calling someone offensive names related to sex or gender
- Making lewd noises or suggestive remarks
If it happens regularly, or even once in an especially severe way, it may be legally actionable.
Physical Sexual Harassment Examples
Physical misconduct is often the clearest form of illegal harassment.
Examples:
- Unwanted hugging, kissing, or touching
- “Accidentally” brushing against someone repeatedly
- Blocking someone’s path or cornering them
- Rubbing shoulders, playing with hair, or grabbing clothing
- Lewd gestures like hip thrusts or miming sexual acts
These behaviors are not just inappropriate — in many cases, they may qualify as sexual battery or assault under California law.
Visual or Digital Harassment Examples in LA Offices
In the digital age, sexual harassment often shows up in emails, Slack messages, texts, or even Zoom calls.
Examples:
- Sending sexual memes or images
- Forwarding inappropriate jokes or links
- Sharing explicit videos or pornographic material
- Using screensavers or posters with sexual content
- Staring or leering during virtual meetings
Even if it happens online, if it affects your job or causes distress, it may be considered illegal workplace harassment.
Real Cases of Sexual Harassment in Los Angeles
? Case 1: Tech Startup Lawsuit
A Los Angeles-based programmer sued her employer after enduring months of sexist jokes, unwanted touching, and retaliation for speaking up. The case settled for $275,000.
? Case 2: LA Restaurant Hostile Environment
A waitress filed a claim after being groped by a manager and routinely propositioned by customers, with no action from the owner. She was awarded $400,000 by a jury.
? Case 3: Film Industry Complaint
An intern reported being offered roles in exchange for sexual favors. After being blacklisted, she filed a lawsuit that led to a $1.2 million settlement and company policy reforms.
These are just a few examples of how LA courts take harassment seriously — especially when it involves retaliation or employer inaction.
What Doesn’t Count as Sexual Harassment Under LA Law?
Not every awkward moment or rude comment is harassment. Legally, it must be sexual in nature and severe or pervasive.
Not usually considered harassment:
- One-time rude comment (unless extremely inappropriate)
- Personality conflicts
- Consensual relationships (unless there’s a power imbalance)
- General stress or strict management style
The key difference lies in unwanted conduct and whether it interferes with your ability to work.
How to Tell If It’s Illegal Harassment vs. Annoying Behavior
Use these two legal tests:
? “Severe or Pervasive” Standard
- Did the behavior happen frequently?
- Or was it one intense event that had lasting impact?
? “Reasonable Person” Standard
- Would someone else in your position find it hostile or offensive?
If you answer yes to either — it’s time to document and report it.
What to Do If You Experience Harassment in LA
- Start documenting everything
- Dates, times, messages, names, witnesses
- Report it to HR or a manager
- Use written communication and request follow-up
- File a complaint externally if needed
- California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
- Los Angeles CHRED
- Talk to an attorney if ignored or retaliated against
- Many LA-based lawyers offer free consultations
Speak Up and Know What Qualifies
If you’re unsure whether something counts as sexual harassment, trust your instincts — and then check the legal criteria. In Los Angeles, you are protected by both state and city law, and you have the right to report without fear of retaliation.
You don’t have to tolerate harassment to keep your job. With the right information and support, you can stand up, speak out, and take legal action if needed.
