I’m in a hostile work environment, what can I do?

A hostile work environment is typically defined as a workplace where an employee experiences harassment or discrimination that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work atmosphere. It is unlawful for an employer to subject their employees to such environment and fail to remediate their actions or the actions of their employees creating a hostile work environment.

There are many instances where an employe may feel that they are subjected to a hostile work environment, but by law, they are not protected. For instance, if a supervisor mistreats an employee on the sole basis of the employee and supervisor rooting for different sports teams, that is not covered by the law. However, if the supervisor is subjecting an employee to a hostile work environment because the employee is in a protect class or engaged in protected activity, such as reporting illegal behavior, then the employee may be entitled to legal protections.

If you believe you are experiencing a hostile work environment in the workplace, it's important to document any instances of adverse treatment and keep records of communications or actions that support your claim. This documentation can be valuable evidence if you decide to pursue legal action. Your employer may also have resources and/or policies and procedures related to reporting concerns you have related to hostile work environment and how to communicate with them about your concerns.

Should you have any questions about your rights as an employee who is or has experienced a hostile work environment and are concerned about possible adverse action from your employer, please contact our office to speak with a hostile work environment law attorney.