Quid Pro Quo Harassment Examples

Quid pro quo harassment examples in training are usually written as explicit offers. Real ones are almost never that direct.

• A manager mentioning an upcoming promotion decision during a conversation about drinks after work.
• A supervisor who becomes noticeably harder to reach for approvals after a social invitation was declined.
• Repeated comments linking someone’s future at the organisation to how well they get on with a particular person.
• A contract renewal discussion moved to a restaurant, alone, at night.
• An offer of mentoring that comes with expectations about time outside work.

None of these contains a stated condition, and each would be denied as a misunderstanding. What makes them recognisable is that the person on the receiving end understood exactly what was meant, which is generally what a reasonable person would also conclude.

The Australian Human Rights Commission sets out the test. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s sexual harassment course and course for managers.