Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment can make your job unbearable. Learn about your rights and legal options.
Common Signs of Hostile Work Environment
Persistent harassment or discrimination
Ongoing harassment or discrimination that affects your work performance.
Offensive jokes or comments
Regular exposure to offensive jokes, slurs, or derogatory comments.
Intimidation or threats
Subjected to intimidation, threats, or aggressive behavior at work.
Understanding Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment occurs when harassment or discrimination is so severe or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. This type of workplace harassment is illegal under federal and California state law.
Legal Requirements
For behavior to constitute a hostile work environment, it must be:
- Based on protected characteristics (race, gender, age, religion, etc.)
- Severe or pervasive enough to alter working conditions
- Unwelcome and offensive to a reasonable person
- Known or should have been known by the employer
Examples of Hostile Behavior
Hostile work environment can include:
- Offensive jokes, slurs, or epithets
- Physical threats or intimidation
- Displaying offensive materials or images
- Persistent unwanted advances
- Ridicule or mockery based on protected characteristics
- Sabotaging work or excluding from activities
Employer Responsibility
Employers have a legal duty to:
- Maintain a harassment-free workplace
- Investigate complaints promptly and thoroughly
- Take appropriate corrective action
- Prevent retaliation against complainants
- Provide anti-harassment training
You Deserve a Safe Work Environment
Don't suffer in silence. We'll help you fight back against hostile work environments and get the justice you deserve.