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

Please tell us your story:

3 + 5 = ?

See all articles: Business | Corporate | Employment

California Rest and Meal Break Laws 2026

California Rest and Meal Break Laws 2026: Complete Guide

California rest and meal break laws set requirements for breaks, waivers, employer duties, and premium pay after violations. This 2026 guide details employee rights, penalties, industry exceptions, common infractions, and recordkeeping practices.
What Is Considered Wrongful Termination in California

What Is Considered Wrongful Termination in California?

Wrongful termination in California may involve discrimination, retaliation, contract breaches, protected leave violations, or dismissals that violate public policy. Employees can review common examples, available remedies, evidence to preserve, and steps to take after an unlawful firing.
Am I Being Sexually Harassed At Work

Am I Being Sexually Harassed At Work?

Workplace sexual harassment can include unwanted touching, sexual remarks, explicit messages, stalking, repeated date requests, or demands for sexual favors. California employees can preserve evidence, report misconduct in writing, and pursue legal action when an employer fails to respond.
California Law on Deductions from Wage Paycheck

California Law on Deductions from Wage Paycheck

California wage deduction laws limit what employers can withhold for uniforms, meals, housing, debts, taxes, and garnishments. See when employee consent is required and what remedies may apply for improper paycheck deductions.
Workplace Bullying- California Laws, Rights, and Examples

Workplace Bullying: California Laws, Rights, and Examples

Workplace bullying in California can involve verbal abuse, sabotage, threats, cyberbullying, or harassment tied to protected traits. California employees may have legal options when bullying becomes discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, or other unlawful workplace conduct.
Do you get paid for training at a job

Do You Get Paid for Training at a Job?

Paid training rules can affect wages for job orientations, meetings, classes, and required work-related courses. See when training must be paid, when exceptions may apply, and how employees can document unpaid hours.
How Long Is Maternity Leave in California

How Long Is Maternity Leave In California?

California maternity leave may include CFRA bonding time, pregnancy disability leave, paid family leave, and job protection. This guide covers eligibility, pay options, breastfeeding rights, and steps when an employer denies leave.
Can Your Employer Spy on You at Home

Can Your Employer Spy on You at Home?

Employee monitoring laws may allow workplace surveillance on company devices, but privacy rights still limit spying at home. Review rules for notice, consent, personal devices, webcams, GPS tracking, email, calls, and state laws.
Are employers required to pay for unauthorized overtime

Are Employers Required To Pay For Unauthorized Overtime?

Employers must pay unauthorized overtime when workers perform extra hours, including off-the-clock time known to the company. California law allows discipline for policy violations, but employers cannot withhold earned wages.
How to Calculate Daily and Weekly Overtime in California

How to Calculate Daily and Weekly Overtime in California

Calculate daily and weekly overtime in California, including pay rates, bonuses, commissions, and salaried employee rules. California overtime laws affect workers, employers, wage calculations, payroll records, and costly pay mistakes.
How to Sell Yourself

How To Sell Yourself In A Job Interview

Show hiring managers your value in a job interview without sounding boastful or forced. Share results, numbers, and a strong career story that supports your fit for the role.
Is Semi-monthly and Bi-weekly The Same Thing

Is Semi-monthly and Bi-weekly The Same Thing?

Semi-monthly and bi-weekly payroll differ in timing, pay periods, overtime handling, and total annual paychecks for employees and employers. Compare both schedules to choose the right fit for budgeting, payroll processing, and workforce needs.
How To Sue Your Employer

How To Sue Your Employer In California

See when California workers may sue an employer for discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, wrongful termination, or leave-related violations. Review the records, deadlines, and legal steps that can affect a workplace claim in California.
Can an employee be terminated while on medical leave

Can An Employee Be Terminated While On Medical Leave?

California employees on medical leave can still be fired in some cases, based on the reason for termination and the medical record. This article covers FEHA, return-to-work dates, and doctor’s notes that may affect a disability or leave-related claim.
Wrongful Termination Lawsuit in California

Wrongful Termination Lawsuit in California

California wrongful termination lawsuits may involve discrimination, retaliation, contract breaches, WARN Act violations, AI-based firing, or public policy violations. This article covers claim grounds, supporting evidence, court steps, and possible compensation after an unlawful firing or forced resignation.
Tips on Misclassification of Exempt Employees

Tips on Misclassification of Exempt Employees

California workers may lose overtime, meal breaks, and rest breaks when employers wrongly label positions as exempt. This article explains exemption rules, misclassification warning signs, possible damages, and the role of an employment attorney.
Retaliation for Reporting Harassment at Work

Retaliation for Reporting Harassment at Work

Retaliation after reporting workplace harassment can include firing, demotion, pay cuts, schedule changes, or other harmful job actions. This article outlines protected activity, signs of retaliation, evidence to gather, complaint deadlines, and the legal steps involved.
How is an independent contractor different from an employee

How Is An Independent Contractor Different From An Employee?

See how California law separates independent contractors from employees, including control, pay, benefits, and legal protections. Get the facts on worker classification, misclassification costs, and the legal tests courts and agencies apply.
What is the Equal Pay Act

What is the Equal Pay Act and Worker Rights?

The Equal Pay Act bars wage discrimination for substantially similar work and protects workers facing unequal pay, retaliation, and hiring bias. This article outlines federal and California pay rules, employer defenses, filing deadlines, damages, and legal rights for employees and applicants.
How to Call in Sick - Simple Tips for Notifying Your Boss

How to Call in Sick? Simple Tips for Notifying Your Boss

Get simple tips for calling in sick, telling your boss, and handling sick day communication at work with confidence and professionalism. See when to notify your manager, what to say, and how to stay professional during one-day or multi-day absences.
FMLA Retaliation and Wrongful Termination

FMLA Retaliation and Wrongful Termination

Facing termination after medical leave may signal FMLA retaliation and violations of your job protection rights. Review common warning signs, legal options, and how an experienced California FMLA attorney can support your claim.
How To File A Workplace Harassment Complaint

How To File A Workplace Harassment Complaint

File a workplace harassment complaint with step-by-step actions: document incidents, follow internal reporting rules, and preserve evidence. Know key deadlines, agency filings like the EEOC, and when legal action may be the next step.
Do I Get Overtime Pay If I’m Paid a Salary

Do I Get Overtime Pay If I’m Paid a Salary?

In California, salary pay does not decide overtime; job duties, pay threshold, and hours worked do. See who is exempt, common misclassification signs, unpaid overtime rules, and options for wage claims or lawsuits.

See all articles: Business | Corporate | Employment

© Copyright | Nakase Law Firm (2019)