Not too long ago, it was only inappropriate email that kept cropping up in the workplace. Inappropriate email is still with us, but there are newer ways for employees to engage in illegal sexually harassing behavior. Texting inappropriate messages and sexting inappropriate pictures in the workplace can give rise to a sexual harassment claim. Cell phones, like email, leave behind electronic records that can be used to prove harassment. If you receive inappropriate phone messages, remember, phone use can give rise to a workplace sexual harassment claim.
Texting from one employee to another can lead to problems in the workplace when the texting involves lewd jokes, comments, or pressuring for a date or sexual favors. These types of activities can create an illegal hostile work environment. Harassing behavior is harassing behavior no matter the form it takes and it can lead to a host of problems and claims under the law.
The first thing to do if you are receiving unwanted or sexually suggestive texts is to speak to your Human Resources Department. Absent a quick resolution of your problem, contact a lawyer with experience in harassment and hostile work environment cases. You may need to file a lawsuit to stop the harassment.
The same thing applies to sexting. If someone at work is sending you photos of a sexually explicit nature, and your company Human Resources Department is non-responsive to your plight or unable to change the situation, New Jersey employment lawyers may be able to help.