Obscene and Sexual Gestures a Work

We’re not talking about the ubiquitous middle finger that says fuck you. Obscene and sexual gestures at work may include two fingers in a V shape, with a tongue in between.

Brad Nakase, Attorney

Email | Tel (888) 600-8654

Inappropriate gestures are also a form of sexual harassment. If they occur frequently, then it could constitute a hostile workplace. A hostile work environment causes productivity and performance to drop and can even cause a high staff turnover.

Regardless of whether the one making obscene gestures in the workplace is a colleague, supervisor, or boss, it is still counted as sexual harassment. If you see it happening to a colleague or you are experiencing sexual harassment, you should discuss the situation with a California employment attorney.

Attorney Brad Nakase can help you take action to stop sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment can cause a lot of emotional distress and impact your earning and advancement opportunities. We take it very seriously and want to help you hold your harassers accountable. Contact us today to book a free consultation to discuss your situation.

What Should You Do If You See a Sexually Offensive Gesture At Work?

First, you should report the incident to your employer. Your boss or HR department should take action to stop the sexual harassment. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, then you should consult an employment attorney first. Nakase Wade employment lawyers will help you to report the sexual harassment and ensure you are not retaliated against for reporting the incident.

If your employer does not take action or take your report seriously, then we will help you to file a claim and pursue legal action.

Our employment lawyers have decades of experience in holding sexual harassers accountable. We will help you to seek damages for emotional distress and any adverse effect the harassment may have had on your job.

Book a free consultation with us to discuss your case. We are compassionate and sensitive to the trauma that sexual harassment causes.

Learn more about: Business | Corporate | Employment Law

See all articles: Business | Corporate | Employment

Do 24-hour and Overnight Caregivers Get Paid for Sleeping?

Yes, 24-hour and overnight caregivers must be paid for sleeping hours if they are awakened at least once during the night.

CA Labor Laws 2025 Guide: Wages, Breaks, Leave, and Workplace Rights Overview

California Labor Laws 2025 cover wages, leave rights, termination procedures, workplace safety, and protections for vulnerable employee groups. Employers must meet strict rules on pay, time off, hiring practices, surveillance, child labor, and whistleblower protections.

Exempt vs Non-Exempt California Employees: Definitions, Salary Thresholds, and Legal Rights Explained

California employers must classify jobs correctly as exempt or non-exempt based on duties, pay, and oversight. Misclassification risks include legal action, fines, and back pay for unpaid overtime or denied breaks.

Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in California: 2025 Compliance Guide for Employers

California employers must meet 2025 workplace violence prevention requirements including yearly training, accessible plans, and detailed incident records. This article explains which employers are affected, what the plan must include, and the recordkeeping rules under Section 6401.9.

CA Pay Data Reporting: Compliance Guide for California Employers

California employers with 100 or more workers must submit pay data reports detailing wages by category, race, gender, and ethnicity. Senate Bill 1162 adds new requirements for labor contractors, median wages, penalties, and strict filing deadlines.

ABC Test in California: How Courts Determine Employee vs. Independent Contractor Status

California’s ABC test lets courts determine if someone qualifies as an employee or contractor based on employment law factors. Misclassification can lead to lawsuits, penalties, and back pay if a business fails to meet all three legal standards.

Split Shift Scheduling: Pros, Challenges, and Best Practices for Businesses

Split shift scheduling supports lower labor costs, flexible staffing, and steady coverage during the busiest times of day. This article outlines pros, challenges, and ways to apply split shifts without harming productivity or team focus.

Class Action Lawsuit California: Legal Guide to Filing, Certification, and Settlements

Class action lawsuits in California let harmed individuals pursue shared claims against one defendant through a single, coordinated legal action. Filing requires five legal criteria and involves court notices, opt-outs, and compensation based on individual damages.

Group Dynamics in the Workplace: Boost Team Collaboration and Productivity

Healthy group dynamics raise trust, output, and teamwork while limiting workplace tension, silence, miscommunication, and unchecked power roles. Psychological safety, role clarity, and enjoyable group tasks help teams connect, adjust, and work together more effectively.

Toxic Leadership: Key Behaviors, Traits, and Devastating Organizational Consequences

Toxic leadership traits and behaviors damage morale, erode trust, and cause long-term harm across business, military, and community settings. This article compares toxic and healthy leadership, showing how destructive styles affect individuals, teams, and organizations.

What Happens If I Take My Lunch After 5 Hours in California? 2025 Meal Break Law Explained

Employees in California must begin lunch before completing five work hours or employers risk legal and financial consequences. This 2025 overview outlines break timing rules, worker choices, exemptions, and employer responsibilities under state meal break regulations.

California Family Leave: Know Your Rights Under CFRA, PDL, and Paid Family Leave Laws

California family leave laws provide job-protected time off for pregnancy, serious health conditions, or caring for close relatives. CFRA, PDL, and PFL differ in eligibility, coverage, and the types of employee leave each law permits in California.

California Minimum Wage Law 2025: State and City Rate Updates for Employers

California’s 2025 minimum wage law raises hourly rates statewide, while many cities and industries apply separate local pay rules. Employers must follow updated wage requirements for hourly, exempt, tipped, fast-food, and healthcare workers across California.

What is PFL in California? Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply for Paid Family Leave

California Paid Family Leave offers wage replacement for caregiving or bonding time with a new child or ill family member. This includes eligibility rules, benefit details, application steps, and allowances for undocumented workers and San Francisco employees.

At-Will Employment in California: What it Means, Exceptions, and Employee Rights

California's at-will employment allows termination anytime, but firings based on protected traits can still break the law. The article covers employee rights, legal exceptions, and how workers can respond to misuse of at-will termination policies.

California Overtime Law for 12-Hour Shifts: Rules on Pay, Breaks, and Employer Liability

California overtime law demands higher pay rates for shifts over eight hours, including double time for work beyond twelve hours. Employers must also provide required rest breaks, with penalties for missing breaks or violating overtime compensation rules.

How Many Hours a Week Can a Minor Work in California? A 2025 Guide for Employers

Minors in California can work specific hours based on age, school status, and applicable labor laws employers must follow. Ensure minors meet work permit requirements and comply with hour limits to avoid significant fines and legal penalties.

Child Labor Laws in California: Work Permits, Wages, and Legal Working Hours for Minors

California Child Labor Laws set rules for work permits, wages, and job roles for minors under 18 in different industries. Teens have restricted hours and must meet state pay requirements, with tighter conditions during school periods.

California Fast Food Minimum Wage 2025: New Rate and Key Employer Rules Explained

California’s AB 1228 sets a $20 hourly minimum wage for qualifying fast food workers starting April 1, 2024. A new council will meet to discuss pay adjustments and workplace rules across covered fast food restaurant locations.

California Background Checks: Employer Guide to Laws, Compliance, and Hiring in 2025

California employers must follow strict background check laws when hiring in 2025 to maintain compliance and fair employment practices. This guide outlines key legal requirements, background check components, and lawful hiring practices across various industries.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work in California? A Complete Guide to Youth Employment Laws

Minors must usually be at least 14 years old to work in California, with a work permit issued through their school. Specific rules govern working hours, types of permitted jobs, and exceptions for minors in entertainment and self-employment.

Did the No Tax on Tips and Overtime Bill Pass? Latest Updates on Federal and State Legislation

No tax on tips and overtime legislation is advancing but has not yet been fully passed into federal law. Multiple states are pushing related measures as Congress debates broader changes.

Tax on Overtime: What You Need to Know

Overtime pay is taxed the same as regular wages, but additional income may shift employees into higher tax brackets. This article explains how overtime impacts payroll taxes, exemptions, and how extra earnings affect total tax liability.

California Minimum Wage 2025: State, Local Rates & Employee Rights

California’s minimum wage rises to $16.50 per hour statewide in 2025, with even higher rates in many cities. Employees must receive the correct wage, and legal action is available for unpaid minimum wages.

What are the basic requirements for lunch breaks under California law?

Most California workers must receive the following breaks: An uninterrupted 30-minute unpaid meal break when working more than five hours in a day. Your boss must give you a rest break of at least 10 consecutive minutes that are uninterrupted.

Performance Review Templates to Streamline and Simplify Employee Evaluations

Streamline your employee evaluations with customizable performance review templates for various review cycles including weekly, quarterly, and annual. Reduce stress and ensure fairness in performance assessments using structured formats designed to save time and improve review consistency.

When Is a Doctor’s Note Required for Work?

Employers can request a doctor’s note for extended absences or workplace accommodations but must follow privacy laws and legal restrictions. Employees have rights protecting their medical information, ensuring confidentiality and preventing workplace discrimination related to health-related absences.

What Is Considered Full-Time Employment in California?

California does not have a fixed definition of full-time employment, but federal guidelines set thresholds between 30 and 40 hours weekly. Full-time status impacts benefits, overtime eligibility, and legal protections, with employer policies differing based on industry and regulations.

Do Employers Verify Doctor’s Notes in California?

California employers can verify certain details of a doctor's note but cannot access medical records without consent. Employees have rights under HIPAA, FMLA, and state laws, protecting medical privacy and ensuring job security in specific situations.

How Do You Properly Fire an Employee in California?

California employers must follow strict legal guidelines when terminating employees to avoid wrongful termination claims and compliance issues. Proper documentation, adherence to state laws, and clear communication help mitigate risks and maintain workplace integrity.

See all articles: Business | Corporate | Employment

856

Obscene and Sexual Gestures a Work

What Should You Do If You See a Sexually Offensive Gesture At Work?

Please tell us your story: