What does "quid pro quo" mean in context of workplace harassment?

Answered by The HR Pros

Quid pro quo—a Latin phrase meaning “this for that”—refers to a specific type of unlawful sexual harassment. Quid pro quo harassment can occur in two ways:

The harasser promises an employee or applicant a promotion, raise, or other positive employment change in exchange for a sexual favor or the employee’s positive response to sexual advance (such as agreeing to go on a date). The harasser demotes, reduces pay, or takes other adverse action against an employee or applicant for refusing a sexual favor or advance.

Sexual harassment isn’t limited to quid pro quo scenarios. It can also be (and is morecommonly) unlawful when it creates a hostile work environment. If you are alerted to thepossibility that harassment has occurred in your workplace, you should investigate immediately. You can learn more about preventing a hostile work environment andconducting an investigation on the platform.

This Q&A does not constitute legal advice and does not address state or local law.