Dealing with a Hostile Work Environment and Unwanted Comments By Dan Atkerson on November 07, 2019

Employees should be able to have a healthy and positive work environment that allows them to complete their duties as intended. This is not just an ideal; there are several laws in place that protect an employee’s right to a safe work environment.

Despite employment laws, many workers deal with a hostile work environment involving unwanted comments, harassment, or other forms of mistreatment. Hostile work environments can make it difficult to perform work functions, and leave workers emotionally and physically exhausted from stress and anxiety. Attorney Dan A. Atkerson can provide legal representation to employees in Allen, TX, Plano, TX, Frisco, TX, and surrounding areas who are victims of a hostile work environment.

What Is a Hostile Work Environment?

It is not uncommon for people to dread going to work or feel like their current place of employment is not stimulating or engaging. However, working in a hostile work environment is much different than working somewhere that you simply don’t like.

A hostile work environment is one in which unwanted comments, misconduct, or harassment based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, or other legally protected characteristics create an intimidating or offensive work environment. Hostile work environments interfere with a worker’s productivity and make them feel unsafe or unwelcome in the workplace. Hostile work environments can create stress and mental anguish that affect employees even when they are not at work.

A hostile work environment can be the result of unwanted comments made by a supervisor, coworker, client, or contractor. Even if unwanted comments are directed toward another employee, any worker who is exposed to unwanted comments or harassment may be victims of a hostile work environment and should consider contacting our legal practice.

Types of Unwanted Comments

Unwanted comments come in many forms. Any type of comment that makes an employee feel unsafe or uncomfortable, or any remark that impedes a person’s ability to perform work duties efficiently or effectively can be classified as an unwanted comment, including:

Name-calling
Derogatory remarks
The use of sexist or racist slurs
Offensive jokes
Verbal threats or verbal intimidation

Understanding Your Rights

Employees that are dealing with a hostile work environment should understand that the law is on their side. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws related to hostile work environments and discrimination in the workplace. Victims of a hostile work environment can discuss the matter with their human resources department and file a complaint with the EEOC as soon as possible.

Victims of a hostile work environment should also consider working with a knowledgeable employment law attorney, such as Dan A. Atkerson. Mr. Atkerson can help clients understand their rights to legal action and financial compensation, which may include reimbursement for emotional distress, any lost wages for time away from work, and punitive damages.

Contact Us

If you believe that a hostile work environment and unwanted comments are interfering with your ability to work, you should discuss your concerns with attorney Dan A. Atkerson. Our legal team will listen to the details of your case and advise you of your best course of legal action. Send us a message at your earliest convenience to learn more or call our practice at (214) 383-3606. We serve patients from Allen, Frisco, Plano, and surrounding areas.