In a recent article on BuiltIn.com, Rich Birke of JAMS Pathways shed light on a serious workplace issue—hostile work environments. These toxic settings not only harm employees but also negatively affect an organization’s culture, morale, and reputation.
The hostile work environment definition refers to any workplace where harassment, bullying, or discrimination creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive atmosphere that makes it difficult for employees to perform their duties. While what constitutes a hostile work environment can vary, it often includes repeated, unwelcome behavior that targets individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, or disability.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines workplace harassment as unwelcome conduct that becomes a condition of continued employment or creates a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Examples of hostile work environments include persistent verbal harassment, discriminatory jokes, belittling comments, and workplace bullying. These behaviors, especially when ignored by leadership, can escalate into a legally actionable situation under federal and state harassment laws.
Shockingly, a 2017 study involving over 3,000 U.S. workers revealed that nearly 20% reported working in a hostile or threatening environment. Hostile environment harassment can lead to harassment charges, hostile work environment lawsuits, and significant reputational damage. More importantly, it erodes psychological safety, causing high employee turnover, stress, and decreased productivity.
Harassment in the workplace—whether physical, verbal, or psychological—can include harassing behavior, discriminatory actions, or even sexual harassment. Understanding the definition of harassment, what is harassment, and what is considered harassment is essential for both employers and employees.
Birke highlights the profound impact of a hostile work environment, stating,
“Even if a company doesn’t get sued, a hostile work environment will still 'eviscerate any sense of psychological safety.”
Hostile work environment examples might involve an employee being repeatedly harassed, belittled, or targeted with inappropriate jokes, especially if these behaviors are tied to protected characteristics. In California, for example, the hostile work environment California standard is strict, and companies may face serious consequences for violations.
Addressing and preventing harassment at work requires strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to respect and inclusivity. Steps to combat hostile workplace environments include:
It’s also crucial to recognize early warning signs of hostile working conditions and act before they escalate. Managers should understand the legal definition of harassment and ensure compliance with federal laws that prohibit workplace harassment.
If you feel you’ve been harassed at work or are in a hostile work environment, know that you have rights. Understanding what is considered a hostile work environment, how to file harassment charges, and where to find a hostile work environment lawyer or hostile work environment attorney can be vital steps in protecting yourself.
Whether it’s harassment defined by law or the more subtle signs of hostile working environments, every employee deserves a safe, respectful workplace.
For a more expansive exploration of this topic, read the full article here.