Workers’ Comp Lawyer
If you have ever felt like your job was slowly killing your soul, or that something nefarious was lurking beneath the surface of an average day at work, then congratulations: you may be working in a hostile environment.
Hostile work environments are unfortunately all too common and can creep up on us without warning according to an employment litigation attorney with our friends at éclat Law — a firm that has years of experience in standing up for employees whose rights have been violated. Luckily for you, there is hope! Here we will discuss what signals to look for to determine if your work environment has become hostile — and most importantly, how to protect yourself from it. So don’t worry; with this beginner’s guide as your companion, even unfamiliar territory will soon become familiar as we explore how to identify a hostile work environment together.
What qualifies as a hostile work environment?
A hostile work environment is a situation in which someone is verbally or physically harassed so severely and constantly that it affects their ability to do their job. To make a case for it, you’ll have to prove certain legal criteria: the misconduct must interfere with your job performance and create an atmosphere that would make any reasonable person feel offended, intimidated, oppressed, or abused. You must also prove that it’s discriminatory based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other legally protected status. It’s important for employers and employees alike to recognize when workplace conduct qualifies as hostile so it can be addressed quickly and appropriately.
7 signs of a hostile work environment
It’s not always easy to recognize a hostile work environment, but below are seven signs to look out for.
- Verbal abuse and harassment: This can include offensive comments, derogatory language, and threats. These types of interactions should not be a regular occurrence in your workplace. Verbal abuse can cause emotional distress, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
- Lack of support: In a healthy workplace, your managers will give you the support you need to do your job or advance in your career. If you are not receiving adequate training or resources, being excluded from important meetings, or feel like your company’s middle management is ineffective and inefficient, then it could be a sign of a hostile work environment.
- Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, national origin, or disability is illegal in the workplace. If you are constantly being treated unfairly or differently because of a protected characteristic, this is a clear sign of a hostile work environment.
- Exclusion and isolation: Being excluded from social events or work-related activities and feeling isolated at work can be damaging to your mental health and could also negatively impact your job performance. A workplace that goes out of its way to be cliquey or unwelcoming could make it harder for you to focus on your job.
- Retaliation: When you report harassment or discrimination, your employer or coworkers should never retaliate against you for speaking up. Retaliation can include being demoted, receiving a pay cut, getting fired, or more. Not only is this behavior unhealthy — it could be illegal.
- Unreasonable work demands: Your job should not violate your boundaries or overwhelm you to the point of constant exhaustion. It is not a good sign if you are constantly overloaded with work, impossible deadlines, or unsustainable hours, as unreasonable work demands can lead to burnout, stress, and other health problems.
- Physical threats or violence: Any form of violence or threat of violence should be reported immediately to your employer or law enforcement. You should never be physically threatened or feel unsafe at work for any reason.
If you have experienced any of these signs, don’t stay silent. Talk to a supervisor, HR representative, or attorney if you have been violated. Remember, a hostile work environment is illegal, and you have the right to work in a safe and welcoming environment.
How to protect yourself in a hostile work environment
The hardest part about finding yourself in a hostile work environment is that by the time you realize it, it seems too late to do anything. People often think that they’re stuck with no way out, falsely assuming the best course of action is to put their heads down and grind through it, but that’s the worst thing you can do. If you want to create a more positive space for yourself, here are some tips on how to do so:
- Speak up: Immediately report any harassment or discrimination you experience to your supervisor or HR representative. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself — make sure that people in power know what’s happening.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all incidents, conversations, emails, and other forms of communication related to the hostile work environment. This can be helpful if you need to file a complaint or lawsuit against your employer.
- Seek legal advice: Consider speaking with an employment lawyer who can advise you on the best course of action and protect your rights.
- Take care of yourself: A hostile work environment can be stressful, so make sure you are taking time for self-care and seeking emotional support from friends and family.
By taking these steps, you can gain the confidence you need to get out of a hostile work environment. You may even be able to change the workplace culture itself, making it better for everyone!
Hostile work environments put workers in the position of feeling completely trapped and helpless. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself if you notice something wrong; this handy beginner’s guide has given you all the tools you need both to recognize when you’re in a serious situation and what to do to get out of it. Awareness is key to recognizing a poisonous work atmosphere — it’s also important to know that no one has the right to mistreat you in this way and it can be stopped.
If you believe that you or someone around you is being subjected to a hostile work environment, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer near you for help today! They will help guide you through your options and fight for your workplace rights so that everyone can feel safe and supported while on the job.