A whisper behind your back. A hand that lingers. A threat, veiled as a joke. Then, silence. Not just yours, but your team’s as well. The room feels colder. People stop showing up to meetings. Productivity drops. Trust crumbles. And eventually, so does the culture.
That’s how it starts.
The effects of sexual harassment in the workplace extend far beyond the individual target. The damage reverberates outward, crippling morale, distorting productivity, and creating legal and reputational risk for the entire organization. For California employees, understanding these consequences can empower you to take action under one of the strongest anti-harassment laws in the country: California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), alongside Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act.
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment, even if you’re not sure if that’s exactly what happened, King & Siegel LLP can help. Our experienced Los Angeles sexual harassment attorneys provide straightforward answers and fierce advocacy for California workers. We offer free 30-minute consultations. We speak Spanish. And we never represent employers.
Emotional Fallout: What Are the Psychological Consequences of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
Sexual harassment in any form—quid pro quo, hostile work environment, or retaliation—often triggers a cascading emotional toll. Victims frequently report:
- Anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which can escalate into panic attacks or clinical diagnoses;
- Feelings of shame, self-blame, and isolation, especially when harassment is minimized or ignored; and
- Loss of motivation or interest in work, which undermines career progress and confidence.
These effects don’t stop when you clock out. They follow you home. They bleed into your relationships and damage your health. In some cases, they even force workers out of the workforce altogether. California law recognizes this, which is why FEHA allows victims to recover not just lost wages, but also emotional distress damages when sexual harassment affects their mental health and well-being.
Organizational Fallout: What Are the Broader Effects of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
The effects of sexual harassment in the workplace can hollow out even the most promising company from the inside. Here’s how:
- Productivity drops as employees disengage or call out sick more often;
- Turnover spikes, especially among women and marginalized groups;
- Reputation suffers, making it harder to recruit and retain top talent;
- Leadership is compromised, especially when decision-makers ignore or enable toxic behavior; and
- Legal risk escalates, potentially costing employers millions in judgments and settlements.
Many employers still fail to act swiftly or fairly when harassment occurs. Some even retaliate against the employee who reports it, an illegal act under both FEHA and Title VII. But you do not have to tolerate a broken system. You have options. Holding your employer accountable isn’t just about justice for you; it’s how cultures change. King & Siegel LLP helps employees challenge toxic environments and push for safer, healthier workplaces.
Do California Workers Have Strong Legal Protections?
Fortunately, California has some of the nation’s most robust anti-harassment laws to combat the consequences of sexual harassment in the workplace. Specifically:
- FEHA prohibits sexual harassment in workplaces with just five or more employees, and makes employers liable for the actions of supervisors;
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act applies at the federal level to employers with 15 or more employees, and provides an additional layer of protection; and
- California also prohibits retaliation against workers who report or oppose harassment, even if the claim is later determined to be unfounded.
In practical terms, this means you can:
- Report harassment without fear of lawful termination,
- Seek emotional distress damages,
- Recover lost wages and benefits,
- Obtain reinstatement if you were wrongfully terminated, and
- File a civil lawsuit in state or federal court if your employer fails to correct the harassment.
These rights aren’t just words on paper. They are legal tools, and we know how to wield them. At King & Siegel LLP, our attorneys use California’s robust protections to help employees assert their rights, recover damages, and safeguard their future. If you’re unsure about your next step, we’ll guide you through your options with clarity and compassion.
What Should I Do If Someone Harasses Me at Work?
To effectively respond to harassment, you don’t need to know the law inside and out. But you do need to protect yourself. Here are the first steps to consider:
- Document the behavior. Keep emails, messages, notes, or a harassment log. Anything that shows patterns or power dynamics can be helpful.
- Report the harassment internally. If you feel it’s safe to do so, use your HR process (if one exists). Make sure to note the date and keep a copy of your report.
- Avoid retaliation. If your hours get cut, or your employer demotes or transfers you without cause, document that too.
- Speak to an employment attorney. A lawyer can assess your options, file complaints with the state Civil Rights Department or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and prepare you for potential litigation.
You deserve to work in a safe, respectful environment. King & Siegel can help it happen.
Why Do Workers Choose King & Siegel LLP?
At King & Siegel, we understand the emotional, financial, and career damage sexual harassment can cause, and we know how to fix it. Employees trust us because:
- We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for employees in just a few years of practice;
- Our attorneys are graduates of Harvard, Columbia, and NYU and trained at the nation’s top litigation firms;
- We only handle employee-side cases, and we litigate strategically and aggressively;
- We’ve been recognized as Super Lawyers Rising Stars and maintain a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating;
- We offer free 30-minute consultations with no obligation and no pressure;
- We’re bilingual and accessible, with Spanish-speaking staff ready to assist; and
- We prioritize making the legal process less stressful, with proactive communication and human-first service.
Whether harassment came from a supervisor, a coworker, or someone in leadership, we can listen, investigate, and fight to pursue justice.
Speak Up: We’re Here to Help
The effects of sexual harassment in the workplace don’t vanish on their own. They accumulate until someone says enough. Whether you’re ready to file a claim or just want to understand your rights, King & Siegel is here for you. Contact us today to speak with a skilled employment attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your future.
Julian Burns King graduated with honors from Harvard Law School and founded King & Siegel in 2018. As head of the Firm’s discrimination and harassment practice areas, she champions the rights of working parents and victims of workplace discrimination and harassment. She has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers annually since 2018 and has recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of her clients.