Am I Working In a Hostile Workplace? By Dan Atkerson on May 24, 2017

Claims against employers for harassment and workplace hostility have become more frequent in recent years. It’s important to know what constitutes a hostile work environment so that you are better able to recognize it. According to most sources, a hostile work environment is defined by any conduct that is intentional, intense, recurring, pervasive, and interferes with the terms and conditions of employment.

If the terms and conditions of your employment have been affected by the hostile actions, you may be able to file a claim against your employer. If you feel like your workplace is hostile, talking to your HR representative and getting fellow employees on board with you could spur your company to make necessary changes.

When a Hostile Workplace Can Be Illegal

Is there a targeted group? If you notice that minorities, women, or other groups of people are subjected to harsh language, or held to different performance standards than other groups, this could be a violation of laws enforced by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC). Women are often the victims of sexual harassment. Are women being treated differently by male employees in your workplace? Are they asked for favors to keep their jobs or get promotions? Other targeted groups protected by law are: LGBT workers, older workers, religious groups, and pregnant workers.

Hostile treatment that is consistent amongst all groups of people can be illegal if it is very extreme. Ask your co-workers if they feel threatened.

Consulting the help of Dallas Employment discrimination attorney Dan A. Atkerson can help you figure out if your hostile workplace is violating laws.