Employees subjected to a hostile work environment might think they can put up with this kind of treatment, but the consequences can have long-term negative effects. Employers are responsible for promoting safe, comfortable work environments where their workers will not be intimidated, harassed, discriminated, or abused. Still, many employees face hostile workplaces, and some are too afraid to speak out. The hallmarks of these environments include employee burnout, high incidences of complaints, absenteeism, lack of resources, and poor communication. The[…] Read More
Category: Hostile Work Environment
Can the Company Be Responsible if My Boss Is Sexually Harassing Me?
Sexual harassment in the workplace is common and can occur in many forms. Repeated unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, and attempts to exchange privileges for sexual favors are all considered sexual harassment and are illegal. The U.S Supreme Court notes that a company acts through its supervisors and employment actions and therefore holds the company culpable and liable for sexual harassment. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency that investigates sexual harassment claims, considers that if a supervisor’s[…] Read More
What Is Considered Verbal Harassment in the Workplace?
Shouting, belittling, disparaging remarks, name-calling, and offensive or obscene language are considered verbal abuse in the workplace, as are harassing comments regarding an employee’s gender, race, or sexual orientation. Verbal harassment may be attributed to company owners, supervisors, managers, coworkers, and even clients, customers, or contractors. Employees are protected from verbal harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These federal laws also establish discrimination[…] Read More
What Is a Hostile Work Environment?
Some co-workers can be unfriendly, making your workdays unpleasant. While it might be hard to deal with, an employee who gets on your nerves is not necessarily breaking any laws. If the harassing behavior creates a hostile work environment though, you may have legal recourse. A hostile work environment is when offensive or unwelcome workplace behavior makes at least one employee feel intimidated, frightened, or uncomfortable. As far as making a legal claim in New Jersey, the behavior has to[…] Read More
How Can You Stop Virtual Sexual Harassment at Work?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sexual harassment as unwelcome verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature that affects an individual’s employment or creates a hostile work environment. Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. It is considered a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Because employees spend so much time interacting online, opportunities[…] Read More