As remote work continues to be a staple for many businesses across New Jersey, virtual meetings via platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have become the new normal. While these technologies have revolutionized how we work and collaborate, they have also introduced new challenges in preventing workplace discrimination and sexual harassment. If you believe you’ve experienced harassment or discrimination in the virtual workplace, it’s important to know your rights and seek legal help. A New Jersey sexual harassment lawyer can assist you in understanding your case and fighting for your rights.
Virtual Workplaces: A New Frontier for Discrimination and Harassment
Remote work has blurred the lines between professional and personal spaces, leading to new avenues where discrimination and sexual harassment can take place. While virtual meetings offer convenience, they also expose employees to new risks, including inappropriate comments, offensive jokes, or unwanted behavior during a video call. These incidents can be just as damaging as harassment that occurs in a physical office environment.
Sexual Harassment in Virtual Meetings: What Constitutes Illegal Behavior?
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive work environment. In New Jersey, for behavior to qualify as sexual harassment, it must be severe and pervasive enough that a reasonable person would find it alters the conditions of employment.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in Virtual Meetings:
- A supervisor making sexually inappropriate comments during a one-on-one Zoom call.
- A colleague exposing themselves or engaging in inappropriate conduct during a virtual meeting.
- A coworker making sexual jokes or sending unsolicited explicit material in a group chat during a work call.
If you experience this type of behavior, it can be the basis for a sexual harassment claim. It doesn’t matter if the harassment occurs in person or over Zoom; your rights are still protected under the law.
Age Discrimination in the Digital Workspace
Remote work and virtual meetings have also brought forward concerns around age discrimination. If you’re having difficulty navigating virtual meeting software or facing technical challenges, your supervisor or coworkers should offer help without ridicule. Unfortunately, some workers may face ageist comments or stereotypes, which could form the basis of an age discrimination claim.
Examples of Age Discrimination During Virtual Meetings:
- A colleague teasing you about being "technologically challenged" or calling you “a dinosaur” for struggling with meeting tools.
- An employer excluding you from meetings or assuming you lack the skills to handle certain tasks based on your age.
If you face discriminatory comments or actions like these in virtual meetings, it could be the foundation for a legal case under New Jersey's discrimination laws.
The Impact of Virtual Work on Your Privacy and Discrimination
One of the less obvious consequences of remote work is the increased exposure of personal details about your life. In a physical office, personal matters such as family dynamics or sexual orientation might remain private. But in virtual meetings, it’s easy for your colleagues to see and hear things you may not have intended to share. For example, if you're caring for an elderly parent, dealing with a health issue, or simply revealing details about your personal relationships, these details might inadvertently come up during a Zoom call.
If your employer takes adverse action based on these personal disclosures, it could lead to a discrimination lawsuit. For example, if you are passed over for a promotion or face retaliatory treatment after someone learns about your personal life, this could be considered unlawful discrimination.
How Can a New Jersey Sexual Harassment Lawyer Help?
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment or discrimination during virtual meetings or in your remote workspace, it’s important to act quickly. A skilled New Jersey sexual harassment lawyer can help you navigate the legal landscape, investigate your claims, and determine whether you are entitled to compensation. Whether it’s harassment that occurs over Zoom or discriminatory actions based on your personal life, an experienced attorney will ensure your case is handled professionally.
At Phillips & Associates, PLLC, we are committed to fighting for employees who have experienced workplace discrimination and harassment, both in person and in virtual environments. We understand the unique challenges posed by remote work, and we’re here to help you take action if you’ve been subjected to inappropriate behavior or unfair treatment.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been the victim of workplace discrimination or sexual harassment, don’t wait—reach out to the experienced team at Phillips & Associates, PLLC for a confidential consultation. We will guide you through the process and work tirelessly to protect your rights. Call us today at (866) 229-9441 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.