All employees deserve to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Unfortunately, this type of behavior is common. Workers in all types of jobs and industries can be affected.
When workers are repeatedly subjected to unwanted offensive behavior, a hostile work environment may exist.
What is a hostile work environment? A hostile work environment is a work environment in which an employee is treated so unfairly and pervasively that it interferes with the employee’s ability to do his or her job. Hostile work environment is considered a form of harassment.
Examples of a hostile work environment may include:
- Making repeated offensive remarks about an employee’s race, accent, national origin, etc.
- Making repeated requests for a date
- Continually initiating unwanted physical contact with an employee
There are many other examples of behavior that creates a hostile work environment. If you believe you are working in a hostile work environment, it is advisable to speak to an attorney about your situation.
Do victims of a hostile work environment have legal protections? Yes. An individual who is a victim of a hostile work environment is protected by the law. The individual can take action through an EEO complaint if the discrimination or harassment is based on race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or inclusion in another protected class. An attorney can help with this process.
If you are a federal employee who is victim of a hostile work environment, you can learn about your legal options in a free consultation: 888-351-0424. We represent clients nationwide.