Images & Messages

Lewd images can create a hostile work environment. As technology changes, so does our definition of sexual harassment. Years ago, these examples included photos, drawings, and posters. Today, "images and messages" extends to screensavers, gifs, text messages, and social media posts. This also extends to actions taken after work hours that can also create a hostile work environment: An employee could send another an inappropriate Facebook message that could make the receiver feel uncomfortable going to work the following day.

In 2018, New York City Ballet fired two male dancers after they were named in a lawsuit accusing them of sending sexually explicit photographs without the subject's consent. The dancers alleged that the communications took place during off-work hours, but City Ballet determined their behavior violated their standards of conduct.

To learn more about Sexual Harassment Prevention For Employees visit our Cal/OSHA Sexual Harassment Prevention For Employees Online Training web page.