Quid pro quo harassment vs hostile environment harassment – Quid pro quo harassment and hostile environment harassment are two distinct types of workplace harassment that have significant legal implications. This article will delve into the definitions, elements, comparisons, and legal protections surrounding these forms of harassment, providing a comprehensive understanding for employers and employees alike.

Quid pro quo harassment involves a supervisor or other authority figure demanding sexual favors or other inappropriate conduct in exchange for job benefits or advancement. Hostile environment harassment, on the other hand, creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment based on protected characteristics such as gender, race, or religion.

Expert Answers: Quid Pro Quo Harassment Vs Hostile Environment Harassment

What is the key difference between quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment?

Quid pro quo harassment involves an exchange of sexual favors for job benefits, while hostile environment harassment creates an intimidating or offensive work environment based on protected characteristics.

What are the elements that must be established to prove quid pro quo harassment?

A supervisor or authority figure must make an unwelcome sexual advance, the employee must be subjected to a tangible job detriment, and the sexual advance must be a motivating factor in the job detriment.

What are the elements that must be established to prove hostile environment harassment?

The conduct must be unwelcome, severe or pervasive, based on a protected characteristic, and the employer must be aware of the conduct and fail to take reasonable steps to stop it.