What are two types of workplace harassment?

Workplace harassment encompasses behaviors that create an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work environment. Quid pro quo and hostile work environment are two recognized types of workplace harassment.

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when employment decisions or benefits are contingent upon the submission to unwelcome sexual advances. This form of harassment makes it clear that compliance is expected to maintain one’s job or receive promotions, which directly impacts a person’s employment status due to their response to the harassment.

Hostile work environment harassment is characterized by pervasive conduct that creates an offensive or intimidating atmosphere for employees. This can include unwelcome comments, jokes, or behaviors of a sexual nature that are severe enough to alter the conditions of employment. It is not necessarily tied to a specific employment decision but can still significantly affect an employee's ability to perform their job.

The other options, while they may involve harmful or inappropriate behaviors, do not specifically categorize within the frameworks established for understanding workplace harassment in a legal context. Emotional distress and physical harm relate to the consequences of various types of actions rather than classifications of harassment itself. Verbal abuse and physical threats can certainly be forms of harassment but do not encompass the broader legal definitions. Negligence and assault are legal terms that may apply to harmful actions but do not