What You Need to Know About Asking a Co-Worker Out

 Posted on March 11, 2026 in Sexual Harassment

Asking someone from work out on a date may be okay, but it totally depends on the circumstances. But it’s wise to proceed with caution when considering a workplace romance in 2026, as there can be real legal risks. If you are being bothered at work by someone who keeps asking you out, our DuPage County sexual harassment attorney can help you understand your options.

Can Asking a Co-Worker Out Be Considered Sexual Harassment?

A single, respectful request that gets dropped if the person says "No" is not enough to rise to the level of sexual harassment under the law.  However, several things can change that.

Both Illinois law (Illinois Human Rights Act 775 ILCS 5/2-102(D) and federal law prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. There are two legally recognized forms:

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment

This is when someone in a position of authority links employment benefits to sexual or romantic favors. This can include offering promotions, good schedules, or not firing them in exchange for a date or sexual contact. This manipulation does not need to be explicitly stated. If an employee reasonably believes that agreeing to or declining a date will affect their standing at work, a quid pro quo claim can happen.

Hostile Work Environment Harassment

This occurs when unwanted romantic or sexual attention is so severe or consistent that it makes it difficult for someone to do their job. A single invitation does not typically meet this standard. However, repeated requests after a clear "No," persistent attention, or behavior that makes a co-worker feel consistently uncomfortable can cross the line.

Things that Matter When Asking a Coworker on a Date

Does Your Workplace Have Policies About Dating Coworkers?

Workplace relationships are very common. A survey from the Society for Human Resources Management found that 27 percent - almost one in three - people surveyed were either in or had previously been in a workplace relationship. Many employers, though, have formal policies about office relationships. This is especially true of employees at different levels of the company. Some companies make both parties disclose a relationship to human resources. Others ban such relationships outright.

It’s important to understand your own company’s policies before asking a coworker on a date. Violating these policies or attempting to hide a relationship can make things look much worse if something goes wrong. It can also be legal grounds for discipline or termination. Illinois is an "at-will" employment state. This means an employer can terminate an employee for any reason or no reason (within the guidelines of the law).

Power Differences When Asking a Coworker Out

Work romances that involve a superior and a subordinate are very legally risky. Even when both people consent to the relationship, the power imbalance creates legal exposure for the person in authority. Many companies treat supervisor/subordinate relationships as a serious violation.

If the person lower in the company hierarchy later faces discipline, a poor review, or termination by their supervisor, questions will come up about whether the relationship influenced those decisions. Even if the relationship was always consensual, the person in authority may face a sexual harassment claim based on how the relationship developed or ended. The law will also be very skeptical of these relationships if accusations of harassment come up.  

Be Aware of What May Cross the Line Into Sexual Harassment

This could include:

• Repeated romantic requests after a co-worker has said no
• Making romantic comments or gestures that continue after someone expresses discomfort
• Using a position of authority to create opportunities to be alone with a co-worker
• Punishment, however small, when a co-worker declines

What If You Are Repeatedly Being Asked Out by a Coworker?

If you’re experiencing unwanted, repeated attention from a co-worker or supervisor, you may well have a sexual harassment claim. You have the right to a workplace free from sexual or romantic pressure.

You should report unwanted romantic attention to your human resources department, document each incident in writing with dates and details, and consult an attorney about your legal rights if things get out of hand.

If your employer tries to punish you for reporting, report that as well. Illinois has strong protections against punishment for reporting sexual harassment in the workplace.

Call a Wheaton Sexual Harassment Attorney Today

Workplace harassment situations are often complicated to navigate alone. It’s important to have a sounding board if you have questions about being harassed or being accused of harassment at work. Guidance from an attorney can ease your mind and make a big difference if you make a sexual harassment claim.

We at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC are here to help. MKFM Law has experience representing clients dealing with sexual harassment and employment discrimination matters. Contact one of our DuPage County sexual harassment lawyers at 630-665-7300 to schedule your initial attorney meeting.