In the new millennium, employers will be faced with new challenges and obstacles when trying to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Communication technology has become commonplace and vital in most work environments, and easy access to sexually explicit and harassing material via the Internet may affect the atmosphere on the job and increase an employer’s risk for sexual harassment and discrimination claims.
Employee use of the Internet and other means of electronic communication have expanded the manner in which an employee can be sexually harassed at work. For example, an employee may be subjected to unwelcome sexual advances through the exchange of messages on the Internet or via e-mail. More commonly, the dissemination of sexual jokes and other sexually oriented material may form the basis of a hostile work environment claim. [FOOTNOTE 1]
