Working in hostile environments can be incredibly challenging. Employees develop fear and fail to perform to their full potential. It is only a matter of time before they start losing interest in the job. However, not all employees have a choice. Some have responsibilities to bear, so they choose to remain silent and perform under pressure. If you have found yourself in a similar situation, suing your employer for harassment and a hostile work environment may help you fix things if nothing else works. This article will guide you on what a hostile work environment is and how you can take action against it.
What is a Hostile Environment at the Workplace?
A hostile work environment refers to workplace environments with toxic and offensive behaviors of superiors or coworkers. The offensive behavior may be verbal or nonverbal, varying for each toxic workplace. Employees operating in such environments feel unwelcomed, humiliated, scared, and uncomfortable (emotionally and physically). Harassment and hostile work environments often go hand in hand.
Employees fail to speak up and raise their voices against higher authorities due to an element of fear. The pressure of superiors and toxic coworkers distract employees from working comfortably and restrict them from performing at their true potential.
What Are the Signs of a Hostile Work Environment?
When hostile work environments become the norm of a workplace, employees become stressed and anxious. They fall into a pit of mental health problems due to their inability to raise their voices. However, employees can save themselves from such organizations by identifying the signs of toxicity and hostility in their early days. We have covered a few common signs of a hostile work environment below.
Persistent Discrimination
According to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, discrimination against employees based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and sexual orientation is a serious offense. Workplaces with persistent discrimination can be charged for mistreating their employees. If you notice such a culture at your workplace, a free-consultation employment lawyer can help protect your rights.
Employee Shaming
Workplaces with employee shaming and bashing are considered hostile and toxic by all means. Employees can never grow when they are shamed and harassed at workplaces. The negative reinforcement leads them to self-doubt and restricts them from performing fully. Never hesitate to seek an employment lawyer’s free consultation when facing such situations.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a major deal breaker in modern working environments. With increasing awareness, employees are becoming more conscious about such practices in workplaces. Offices, where sexual harassment is a norm and employers prefer silence over taking legal actions, are considered hostile. If you notice such incidents at your workplace, immediately address them to your superiors or seek legal help.
Internal Conflicts
Workplaces with unresolved internal conflicts are considered toxic and hostile to employees. In such environments, coworkers develop grudges and fail to communicate effectively. Such practices negatively impact other workers, making it difficult to be open about ideas and discussions.
How to Sue Your Employer for a Hostile Work Environment
“How can I sue my boss for a hostile work environment?” “How can I sue my employer for workplace harassment?” If these are the top questions in your head while working in hostile environments, we can help you determine your next move.
Here are the reporting steps you can take to ensure the protection of your rights.
Gather Evidence
Gather evidence of hostile situations at your workplace and document them for legal action. Remember, legal action requires proof and may not apply to verbal statements alone. Documenting sufficient evidence is crucial in suing your employer for hostility and harassment. Photos, videos, and emails highlighting hostility can be documented for legal activity.
Report Internally
Employers must have an internal reporting system to protect the rights of employees working in different capacities. When becoming a victim of hostility, you may first try to report the incidents internally. If your employer fails or refuses to take action, you may opt for a free-consultation employment lawyer to raise the issue.
Seek Legal Advice
Before taking any step, consulting a legal professional may be a better option. They can advise you regarding the best ways to deal with workplace hostility. An employment lawyer’s free consultation can help you pick the right direction to suing your employer.
Know the Law
A lot of employees fail to speak up against workplace harassment and toxicity due to a lack of knowledge about employee rights and laws that protect them. When aiming to sue your boss, you may thoroughly equip yourself with the laws supporting your cause. Going through Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans With Disabilities Act can help you understand your position better.
Need Help in Suing Your Employer for a Hostile Work Environment? We Can Help!
A hostile work environment is a serious matter that every employee should speak against. Being silent not only risks your rights but also puts other victims in danger. If you speak up, you may become the voice of many others dealing with the same problems.
Bourassa Law Group is a well-established law firm with a highly competent team of employment attorneys. Feel free to go through our client testimonials on the website to know our potential. Contact us at (800) 870-8910 to discuss your case for immediate help.
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