Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Erica graduated from college two years ago and after two unpaid internships has finally landed the job of her dreams. She is the youngest member on her new team, so she gets most of the grunt work. This extra work leads Erica to work late hours most nights but she doesn’t mind because she can then take the company car home. A few months into working at the firm, Erica’s manager Joe is staffed on a new project and starts working late hours as well. One night after another late night at the office, Joe tells Erica that they need to share a car home because the team’s expenses are under scrutiny. Erica agrees. In the car, Joe mentions that he has noticed Erica often works long hours and takes a car home. Erica is embarrassed that she cannot complete her work during normal business hours. Joe insists that the car expense is not an issue because her work has been consistently good. He emphasizes that good is not great and if she really wants to improve the quality of her work he would be willing to review it before she presents it to the rest of the team. Erica is flattered by Joe’s attention and his offer to help. She expresses her gratitude and tells him she is not sure how she can thank him for his kindness. Joe informs her that his help is contingent on Erica being his girlfriend.
