What are the two main types of workplace harassment?

The correct choice highlights the two main categories of workplace harassment recognized in employment law: quid pro quo and hostile environment.

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when job benefits, such as promotions or raises, are conditioned upon an employee's submission to unwelcome sexual advances or conduct. This type of harassment directly involves an exchange where compliance is demanded in return for favorable workplace treatment.

On the other hand, hostile environment harassment refers to situations where the workplace is permeated with discriminatory intimidation, ridicule, or insulting behavior, which is so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile or abusive working environment. This type is characterized by actions that disrupt the employee's ability to work and create an atmosphere that is uncomfortable.

Understanding these categories is important for identifying and addressing workplace harassment because they outline the different contexts in which harassment can manifest, both of which have serious implications for employees and employers alike. Recognizing these types helps in developing policies and training to prevent and address such behaviors effectively.