Which of the following behaviors can contribute to a hostile environment categorized as sexual harassment?

Persistent dirty jokes can significantly contribute to a hostile environment characterized as sexual harassment. This behavior creates an atmosphere where individuals may feel uncomfortable, threatened, or disrespected. Such jokes usually involve inappropriate or sexualized content that can offend others, violate workplace conduct standards, and undermine a person’s ability to feel safe and respected at work.

In contrast, friendly touching, although it may seem innocent, can often be misinterpreted and may cross personal boundaries, potentially leading to discomfort. Genuine compliments, if appropriate and respectful, typically do not contribute to a hostile environment, as they can foster positive interactions. Casual discussions about work, when limited to work-related topics and conducted respectfully, generally do not create or contribute to a hostile environment. Thus, persistent dirty jokes stand out as particularly harmful to establishing a professional and safe workplace.