Sexual Harassment by a Supervisors & Executives

Supervisors, managers, and executives who exploit their authority to pressure employees into sex, make unwanted advances, or punish those who refuse to commit a fundamental violation of employee rights, inflicting lasting harm.

Fired after rejecting advances? Pressured into sex? Retaliated against for reporting harassment? You are not alone.

This type of abuse leaves employees feeling trapped, fearful, and powerless. But you are not alone — a Fort Lauderdale sexual harassment lawyer from Kaplan Employment Law is here to fight for you.

What is Sexual Harassment by a Supervisor or Executive?

Sexual harassment by a supervisor or executive occurs when someone in a position of authority uses their power to demand sexual favors, make unwelcome advances, or punish an employee for refusing. Because these individuals control promotions, pay, and job security, their actions often carry greater legal consequences under federal and Florida law.

• Unwanted sexual advances or pressure to engage in sexual activity
• Threats or retaliation for rejecting a supervisor’s sexual advances
• Sexually explicit messages, inappropriate sexual jokes, or unwanted sexual touching
• Being fired, demoted, or denied a promotion for reporting sexual harassment

Executives and senior leaders often use fear to silence victims. You don’t have to face this alone. Kaplan Employment Law will fight for you.

Hostile Work Environment Created by a Supervisor or Executive

The power imbalance between supervisors and their employees can make situations extremely uncomfortable. If you have been harassed by a supervisor, you may have felt it was difficult for you to set a boundary or to challenge any directives they gave you without fear of retaliation.

Supervisors, executives, and managers who use their power to intimidate employees into silence are engaging in illegal workplace harassment. Examples of a hostile work environment created by a supervisor include:

• Pressure to engage in sexual activity in exchange for raises, promotions, or job security
• Unwanted sexual advances or requests for dates
• Explicit text messages, direct messages, and sexual remarks
• Unwelcome physical sexual contact, like groping, forced hugs, and massages
• Retaliation, like being fired or demoted after rejecting sexual advances

If your supervisor made you feel unsafe, humiliated, or pressured at work for sex, you have legal rights to pursue a claim and reclaim your peace.

Employer Liability for Supervisor Sexual Harassment

Harassment by a supervisor or executive carries greater legal consequences than harassment by a coworker because supervisors control promotions, pay raises, and job security, creating a power imbalance that leaves employees more vulnerable. Under both Florida and federal law, employers are vicariously liable for supervisor harassment only under specific conditions.

Employers are liable for supervisor sexual harassment when:

• The harassment culminates in a tangible employment action, such as termination, demotion, failure to promote, or pay reduction.
• The employee follows the company’s reporting procedures, giving the employer a chance to investigate and take corrective action, but the employer fails to act.

Not reporting harassment in accordance with company policy may allow the employer to claim they were unaware and avoid liability.

To build a strong case, employees must either experience termination or report the harassment per company policy. If you fear retaliation, consult an attorney before taking action.

What to Do If You’re Being Harassed by a Supervisor

Taking the right steps early can protect both your job and your legal rights. Creating a clear record of what happened often makes a significant difference in the strength of your case.

Tell the harasser to stop (if safe)

Clearly communicating that the behavior is unwelcome can help establish boundaries and support your claim. If you feel unsafe doing this, skip this step and go directly to reporting.

Gather evidence

Save texts, emails, voicemails, or screenshots of inappropriate messages, and keep them in a secure location. Maintain a timeline with dates, locations, witnesses, and how the conduct affected your work.

Report the harassment

Follow your company’s reporting procedures outlined in the employee handbook, typically through HR or management. Written complaints create documentation and trigger your employer’s legal duty to investigate.

Speak with a sexual harassment lawyer

If your employer ignores the problem or retaliates against you, legal action may be necessary. An experienced employment attorney can protect your rights and guide you through the process.

At Kaplan Employment Law, we’ve helped employees stand up to powerful supervisors and recover meaningful compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

When you experience sexual harassment at work, you could be entitled to compensation, especially when it’s affected your ability to work, your overall quality of life, and your career. You can pursue claims for:

• Emotional Distress Damages: Compensation for the psychological impact of harassment, including anxiety, stress, and humiliation.
• Lost Wages and Career Opportunities: Recover wages lost due to termination, demotion, or forced resignation, as well as damages for missed promotions or professional setbacks.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be awarded to penalize employers for enabling or ignoring harassment.
• Attorney’s Fees and Costs: If you win your case at trial, you may recover attorney’s fees and costs.

Kaplan Employment Law works tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for victims of sexual harassment by supervisors.