Many people think sexual harassment only counts if it happens at the office, on a job site, or during work hours. Yet today, much of our communication with coworkers happens on phones, computers and social media. Because of this, harassment often follows workers home, showing up in private messages, comments, or unwanted online attention at any hour of the day. When the behavior comes from someone connected to your job, it can still be work-related sexual harassment, even if it happens far from the workplace.
Online messages can still be workplace harassment
Sexual harassment does not lose its connection to the workplace just because it happens after hours or through a screen. If a coworker, supervisor, subordinate, client, or anyone who knows you through work sends inappropriate or unwanted messages, the law may still see it as harassment tied to your employment. This includes communication through platforms such as:
- Snapchat
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Slack
- Signal (or other apps or platforms that allow private or semi-private communication)
Unwanted comments, sexualized behavior, explicit messages, repeated contact, sexual jokes, or pressure to meet outside of work can all qualify as harassment when they come from someone connected to your job.
Cyberstalking and real-world stalking also count
Harassment can escalate beyond messages to “cyberstalking.” This is characterized by repeated, obsessive online contact, monitoring, or threatening behavior. Victims can suffer serious fear and emotional harm. Real-world stalking, like following you, showing up at your home, or appearing at places you frequent is also part of the same pattern.
When the person doing this is tied to your job, the behavior can still fall under work-related harassment. The key issue is the relationship, not the location.
What to do if you receive inappropriate messages or experience inappropriate behavior
If you are being harassed online by someone you know through work, you can take steps to protect yourself and build a record of what is happening. You should:
- Save the evidence: Screenshot messages, keep timestamps, and do not delete anything. Documentation can be crucial.
- Report it to your employer or HR: Employers are legally required to take reasonable steps to stop harassment once they know about it.
- Watch for retaliation: If your employer ignores your complaint, fails to stop the behavior, or retaliates against you for reporting it, that is also illegal.
If the harassment continues, if HR does nothing, or if the situation gets worse after you report it, legal guidance can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Where to go from here
Sexual harassment tied to your job does not need to occur on company property to be unlawful. If unwanted attention online from a coworker, supervisor, or patron is affecting your safety or well-being, you do not have to deal with it alone.