Is Extreme Workplace PDA Sexual Harassment?

 Posted on January 23, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

Having coworkers who are dating can be complicated, to say the least. It’s not uncommon to hear about coworkers who are dating and whose unprofessional behavior makes everyone around them uncomfortable. Especially for those higher up the chain of command, it can be hard to know what to call this behavior or how to address it. 

If you have coworkers or employees creating an unpleasant environment in 2026, our Wheaton sexual harassment attorneys can help you understand what the situation is and if you have legal grounds to address it.

What Qualifies as Sexual Harassment Under Illinois Law?

Sexual harassment at work happens when unwelcome sexual conduct interferes with your ability to do your job or creates a difficult work environment. Under the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/2-102), sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

The law recognizes two main types. "Quid pro quo" harassment means someone in power demands sexual favors in exchange for job benefits. "Hostile work environment" harassment happens when the workplace becomes uncomfortable or offensive due to sexual behavior, comments, or displays.

What Makes a Work Environment Hostile?

Not every uncomfortable situation counts as illegal harassment. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission considers an environment hostile if it is "intimidating, hostile, or offensive to reasonable people." Courts look at how often the behavior occurs, how severe it is, whether it is threatening or humiliating, and whether it interferes with work performance.

Can a Workplace Romance Between Coworkers Be Sexual Harassment?

A very public romantic relationship between coworkers is not automatically sexual harassment. However, when a couple brings their relationship into the workplace in ways that consistently make others uncomfortable, it can cross the line.

Public displays of affection that are very sexual in nature can create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Examples include prolonged kissing, intimate touching, sitting on each other's laps, making sexual comments in front of others, or other behaviors that would normally be kept private.

Does It Matter if Management Already Addressed the Problem?

Yes. If management corrected the couple and they did not change their behavior, this strengthens a harassment claim. Employers have a legal duty to maintain a workplace free from sexual harassment. When management knows about inappropriate conduct and does not stop it, the employer can be held responsible. The fact that the couple was told to stop but continues anyway shows the actions are deliberate and that management cannot or will not enforce workplace rules.

Inappropriate romantic behavior can also drift into other areas of the workplace. Couples that spend a lot of time being openly romantic with each other are likely to be distracted. This makes them less productive at best, and at worst, it can lead to them failing to do their job. If management is aware of this and lets it slide, there may be grounds for discrimination claims.

What Can You Do if Someone Else’s Workplace Romance Is Creating a Hostile Environment?

If you are experiencing a hostile work environment because of a workplace romance in 2026, start by documenting everything. Write down dates, times, locations, and what happens. Note who is present and keep any related emails or messages as evidence.

Report the problem through your company's complaint process. Most employers have a human resources department or specific procedure for reporting harassment. Keep copies of your complaints. If you already reported the issue and nothing changed, report it again.

Call a DuPage County Sexual Harassment Attorney Today

Dealing with inappropriate workplace behavior can be stressful, especially when management does not take real action. If a workplace romance is making your job unbearable, the lawyers at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC are ready to help. MFKM understands Illinois employment law and can advise you on protecting your rights. Contact our DuPage County sexual harassment lawyers at 630-665-7300 today to schedule your initial attorney meeting.