At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we believe you should feel safe at all work-related events, including holiday parties and company retreats. These gatherings are intended for team bonding and growth, but lines can often be crossed when professionalism slips or alcohol is involved. I
If you’ve faced harassment from a supervisor, coworker, or client at a work event, know that support is available. With over 40 years in employment law, we’re here to advocate for your rights. Contact us to discuss your situation and explore your options for justice.
Sexual Harassment Outside the Workplace
Sexual harassment includes any inappropriate words or sexual gestures that create an intimidating, offensive, or hostile environment. Sexual harassment is not limited to the inside of a company’s office building. Instead, employers and co-workers can engage in unlawful sexual harassment outside of their company’s building. The legal protections against sexual harassment extend outside of the workplace to events sponsored by the company.
Examples of sexual harassment at holiday parties and corporate-sponsored events include the following circumstances:
- An employee touches another employee in an unwanted way at a holiday party
- Sexual self-touching in front of others while in the elevator at a company retreat
- Making inappropriate sexual gestures to another employee during a holiday party
- Displaying sexually explicit images to a co-worker during a break at a work conference
- A manager makes sexually inappropriate jokes in a speech at the company holiday party
- A supervisor makes repeated sexual advances while walking to or from the conference
- An employee uses sexual language during a toast at the company Christmas party
- An employer provides sexually explicit gifts for the company gift exchange
When Joking Becomes Unlawful Sexual Harassment at Company Events
Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from sexual harassment in the workplace, including at holiday parties and company retreats. When facing sexual harassment claims, supervisors sometimes argue that they were only joking. For example, a supervisor might have purchased a sex manual or another sexually explicit holiday gift for his administrative assistant. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, our attorneys are skilled at proving that the defendant engaged in unwelcome sexual harassment that goes beyond mere joking.
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment at Holiday Parties
Sometimes, an employee may feel that they must put up with harassment or suffer an adverse employment consequences. For example, a supervisor might corner an employee at a holiday party and tell the employee that he will fire her if she does not engage in sexual favors. In another example, a supervisor could push an employee into a closet, sexually assault the employee, and tell him that if he reports the assault, he will not receive a promotion.
Creating a Hostile Work Environment at Company Retreats
Another type of unlawful harassment is creating a hostile work environment. Supervisors create a hostile work environment when they negatively interfere with job performance, which would make any employee want to quit the job. Supervisors, customers, owners, and anyone else can create a hostile work environment. Additionally, a company can create a hostile work environment at company retreats as the company sponsors corporate events.
An offhand remark at a holiday party that is sexually charged will likely not rise to the level of sexual harassment. However, if a manager has a reputation for repeatedly making unwanted sexual jokes during toasts during company retreats, their behavior could rise to the level of sexual harassment.
How Lipsky Lowe Can Help
When you turn to Lipsky Lowe, we work tirelessly to assess your situation and identify any specific instances of harassment, focusing on how these events impact your professional and personal well-being. We guide you through gathering evidence and documentation, ensuring that you feel supported and informed every step of the way. By focusing on your experience, we build a case that prioritizes your needs and addresses workplace violations.
Our firm is committed to holding employers accountable, especially when they fail to provide a safe environment at work events. We’re experienced in navigating complex legal issues around harassment and retaliation, fighting for compensation and policy changes that prevent future occurrences. With us, you’ll find a team that prioritizes your rights and fights for lasting workplace respect and safety.
Contact Our New York City Sexual Harassment Lawyers
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at a holiday party or company retreat, our attorneys are ready to fight on your behalf. After reviewing the facts of your case, we can help you determine the best way to proceed with your claim. You may need to file a lawsuit or attempt to negotiate a confidential settlement. Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a claim for sexual harassment. Contact our New York City employment law firm today to learn how we can help you.