What is Quid Pro Quo and How Does It Affect You?

Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase that simply means an exchange of goods and services. Many people refer to this phrase as a favour for your favour. Quid pro quo issues often arise in the workplace and it is imperative you understand what this phrase means in its entirety and how it can affect you.

A Full Understanding of Quid Pro Quo

When it comes to defining quid pro quo, the terms are fairly simple. There are many American phrases that match the meaning of this Latin phrase, including “You scratch my back, and I will scratch yours”.

Unfortunately, quid pro quo harassment occurs as a part of sexual harassment. Quid pro quo harassment can happen during the process of seeking employment with a company or in the course of employment.

It is against the law for employers, managers, and supervisors to engage in quid pro quo harassment in the workplace. Those who fall victim to this type of sexual harassment need to be aware of their rights and the steps they can take.

How Can Quid Pro Quo Affect You?

In the course of employment, many men and women face sexual harassment and find themselves feeling powerless to stop it. When a job benefit is directly tied to the employee’s submission to an unwanted sexual advance, this becomes a quid pro quo harassment. There are many examples of this type of sexual harassment, including the following.

An employer says a person can keep their job if they engage in sexual activity.
The employer may threaten termination if their sexual advances are denied.
An employer may change employee evaluations based on their willingness to engage in the sexual favour.
Work project opportunities may become contingent on engagement in sexual favours.

Although women are more commonly harassed than men, men certainly are victims too. Quid pro sexual harassment in the workplace is against the law and victims need to know their rights and how to hold their employers accountable.

What Should You Do?

If you have become the victim of quid pro quo harassment, it is imperative you immediately take steps to protect yourself against further sexual advancements. You have rights as a victim and need to be aware of the steps you should take after this form of sexual harassment has occurred.

Whether implicit or explicit, unwanted sexual advances are unwelcome. If you are the victim of this type of harassment, it is imperative you seek legal help right away. Be sure to check out firms such as Dhillonlaw.com. A quid pro quo claim can be brought to court against an employer, even if the employee engaged in sexual favours.

There have been laws put in place to protect victims of sexual harassment, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. If you feel you are a victim, reaching out for legal help can guide you in making important decisions that will lead to holding your employer accountable.

Conclusion

It is often humiliating when employers use their seniority powers to influence individuals to engage in sexual favours. If you are the victim of such actions, it is your right to seek legal help and pursue a case against your employer. The law is on the side of the victim and a lawyer can help you ensure you have the evidence you need.