Workplace sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behavior that the recipient finds offensive and intimidating. Although this discrimination is illegal, the number of sexual harassment cases continues to increase every year. This harassment can affect the recipient's work performance, health and career. Both men and women are victims of this discrimination; Unfortunately, most never report it to their employers for fear of retaliation or job loss. Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Newspaper, evening news, and Internet headlines report a growing number of incidents of sexual harassment in the public political arena. Imagine the number of incidents that occur in the larger private sector, outside of public control. While many types of harassment occur in the workplace, the most common sexual harassment often goes unreported. Various factors constitute sexual harassment in the workplace and can lead to retaliation against victims who choose to report incidents. In addition to the negative effects on victims, organizations also suffer from incidents of sexual harassment. Factors Constituting Sexual Harassment Decades ago, federal law prohibited discrimination with the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Through several amendments and the inclusion of Title VII, this law now includes sexual harassment as a form of discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has published guidelines for defining sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as standards for handling allegations of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment results from unsolicited physical, verbal, and nonverbal behavior of a sexual nature that hinders one's job performance or generates a...... middle of paper ...... the nation requires vigilance of both time and staff to provide awareness, training and zero tolerance policies to effectively eliminate workplace harassment. Take a stand now to help create a harassment-free workplace. Facts Cited About Sexual Harassment Works. (2002, June 27). Retrieved November 11, 2011, from U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-sex.htmlBhagria, A. (2010, October 5). When is it really about sexual harassment? Retrieved November 11, 2011, from YOUNG HR MANAGER INNOVATION, THE KEY TO TODAY'S SUCCESSFUL HR MANAGERS: http://www.younghrmanager.com/sexual-harassment-at-workplace England, DC (2011). Prevent employee claims for retaliation. Retrieved November 11, 2011, from NOLO LAW FOR ALL: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/preventing-retaliation-claims-by-employees-29599.html