After-Hours Events, Conferences, and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Las Vegas is known for its lively nightlife, corporate conferences, and industry mixers—but when the party doesn’t stop after business hours, where do professional boundaries begin and end?
Whether it’s a company happy hour on the Strip, a networking mixer at a casino lounge, or a team-building event at a hotel bar, after-hours work events can easily cross the line from “fun” to hostile. And when sexual harassment happens off the clock, employees are often left wondering: “Do I still have rights?”
Sexual Harassment Doesn’t End When the Workday Does
Many people assume that if an incident doesn’t happen in the office, it “doesn’t count.” That’s not true.
Under both Nevada state law and federal workplace harassment laws, employers can be held responsible for inappropriate conduct that occurs during work-related events—even outside the office.
If a supervisor, coworker, or client harasses you at a work-sponsored gathering, that’s still considered workplace sexual harassment.
Common Scenarios That Cross the Line
- A coworker makes unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate comments at a company party.
- An executive invites a subordinate to a hotel room “to talk privately” during a business convention.
- A networking event turns hostile after repeated, unwanted touching or suggestive remarks.
These aren’t “just social situations.” They’re potential hostile work environment claims—especially when the employer creates or tolerates the situation.
Know Your Rights as a Nevada Employee
If you’ve experienced inappropriate behavior at a work event, here’s what you need to know:
- You have the right to file a complaint—even if the incident happened after hours.
- HR is required to take your report seriously.
- You can file a legal claim for sexual harassment or retaliation.
- You don’t need to suffer in silence. Speaking up protects not only you, but your coworkers as well.
What Should You Do If It Happens to You?
If you were sexually harassed during a company event—on or off the Strip—you don’t have to face it alone. Save any messages, emails, or texts. Document what happened. And reach out to a lawyer who understands how Las Vegas workplaces operate.
At Ace Law Group, we help Las Vegas employees stand up to sexual harassment—no matter where it happened. Whether you were harassed at a corporate retreat or a team dinner, our experienced legal team can guide you through every step.