Sexual Gift Giving at Work

Sexual Gift-Giving at Work

Sexual harassment attorney helps establish appropriate professional boundaries

When a present from a co-worker crosses the line, you may be entering sexual harassment territory. Giving someone sexually explicit gifts at work is not only unseemly, it might be illegal. It may create a hostile work environment.

You may be entitled to compensation if you have received numerous gifts that are romantic and sexual in nature, depending on the circumstances. At the Derek Smith Law Group, we know sexual harassment is not just a nuisance at work. It is not just “part of the job.” Sexual harassment can have devastating professional and psychological effects. That’s why we relentlessly pursue compensation for those who have been afflicted.

If you are an employee and need representation in an employment law issue, contact us for a free review with an employment law attorney today.

Call Us To Get A Free Consultation

(800) 807-2209

Inappropriate ‘gag’ gifts in the Workplace

Office parties, Secret Santa and other gift exchanges are prime opportunities for sexual harassment. You should know that sexually-themed ‘gag’ gifts are not appropriate in the workplace, and may constitute sexual harassment. Harassers may offer sexually explicit presents under the guise of humor. In some instances, your colleague may simply have been trying to be funny. They may have made a one-time mistake that could be brushed off as a lapse in judgment. However, someone may offer you a sexually explicit ‘gag’ gift with the express intent of making you feel intimidated, uncomfortable and even afraid. ‘Gag’ gifts may include adult toys, adult-themed games, pornography or any renderings that depict nudity or a sexual act.

If someone offers you an offensive present, first let them know this kind of behavior is unacceptable. You may tell your supervisor or Human Resources representative. If the behavior persists and your employer does not take action to stop it, you should speak with a sexual harassment attorney knowledgeable about New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Maimi workplace sexual harassment laws.

Personal and romantic presents

Your colleague regularly offers personal gifts, despite your declaration that it makes you uncomfortable. Romantic gifts are given to you with repeated requests for dates, advances which you rebuff. A bouquet of roses came to your desk with a sexually explicit note attached. A single occurrence of these events is probably not severe enough to be considered sexual harassment. However, if you are repeatedly presented with romantic gifts at work, which create a hostile work environment, it could be grounds for legal action.

Other personal gifts that may not be appropriate for the workplace are:

Lingerie
Romantic jewelry
Personal care products
Perfume

Again, your first course of action after receiving an objectionable gift is to let the person know you feel offended and embarrassed by their behavior. If the person does not respond favorably, escalate the situation to an attorney.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form or call (800) 807-2209 today.

Call Our Sexual Harassment Attorney For A Free Consultation

When sexual harassment at work starts negatively affecting your professional and personal life, contact the New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia employment attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group. For years, we have fought back against unfair treatment in the workplace. Call us today at 800-807-2209. Our sexual harassment lawyers serve clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island and throughout the state of New York. We also represent employee’s sexual harassment cases in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Different Types of Sexual Harassment Cases We Handle:

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Testimonials

From the moment I reached out to the team, they were responsive and professional. Zack Holzberg helped me weigh all my options and potential courses of action and he set realistic expectations from day 1. The team fought for me until the the very end and I am happy with how things turned out. Derek and Zack are very good at what they do and I would recommend them to anyone seeking an employment attorney.read more
Ali Blakely
16 May 20
Seamus Barrett at Derek Smith Law Group is a charismatic, dedicated and passionate lawyer who vigorously defended me against a very large corporation until every option was exhausted.In all my interactions with him, he was quick to respond, honest and encouraging. He always made me feel that I was in good hands.Seamus is an brilliant lawyer, trusted advisor and a fierce advocate. I was so thrilled with the successful outcome of my case; it more than exceeded my expectations. His compensation was fair, he’s worth every penny. I can’t say enough about Seamus. I would highly recommend him to my friends, family, colleagues, etc without any hesitation.read more
Ellie Wright
01 May 20
My experience with the Derek Smith Law Group was highly positive, and I strongly recommend this law firm to handle any concern or case pertaining to employment and discrimination. All communications, with all levels of staff, was exceedingly professional and helpful. My attorney, Daniel Altaras, was tremendously helpful, honest, personable, professional, and most of all, caring. He truly cares about mitigating any discrepancies or violations of the law, and takes tremendous pride in his position and title. He was always available to take or return calls in short order regarding questions and concerns about my case. Additionally, he was highly productive, and treated the task at hand with high value, regardless of the monetary case value associated. He was on top of all variables associated with the case and it required very little worry or open ended questions, due to his constant follow up with any updates regarding the case.To reiterate, I vastly recommend consulting with the Derek Smith Law Group regarding any discrimination concern, I’m sure that your concern will be treated with the same level of value, care and professionalism as mine was.read more
Salvatore Lascala
19 Apr 20

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Sexual Gift Giving at Work