Which of the following is a possible sign that sexual harassment is occurring in the workplace?

• A. Avoidance of certain coworkers
• B. Misusing department equipment
• C. Requesting leave under the FMLA
• D. Cheating on promotional examinations

Answer: (A)

A common sign of harassment is how people change their interactions with others, including avoiding certain coworkers. When harassment is present, targets or witnesses may withdraw from those coworkers to avoid ongoing discomfort, fear retaliation, or confrontation, leading to noticeable social distance and changes in communication or collaboration.

The other scenarios don’t fit as signs of harassment. Misusing department equipment points to policy or security violations, not the dynamics of harassment. Requesting leave under the FMLA is a legitimate, approved reason to be away from work and isn’t itself an indicator of harassment. Cheating on promotional examinations reflects integrity or evaluation issues, not workplace harassment.