What is “tangible employment action” harassment?
A. The US Supreme Court has defined a tangible employment action as “a significant change in employment status.” Tangible job benefits (e.g., promotion, job retention, or compensation) are granted or denied based on the submission to or rejection of unwelcome sexual conduct. A tangible employment action can only be carried out by a person with supervisory authority. Also, the demand for sexual favors in return for job benefits can be explicit or implicit.
