Understanding the dynamics of a workplace can be complex, given the varying personalities, work ethics, and behaviors that come into play. One aspect that often needs clarity is the difference between bullying and a hostile work environment. Workplace bullying refers to repetitive, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons by one or more perpetrators in a work environment. It is characterized by verbal abuse, offensive conduct, or behaviors. For example, a supervisor may criticize an employee’s work unfairly, belittle them[…] Read More
Category: Hostile Work Environment
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Sexual Orientation Discrimination Case?
Workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation remains a pressing issue in society. Unfavorable treatment of employees due to their sexual orientation can take many forms, including offensive remarks, negligence towards complaints, unequal pay, or limited opportunities for career advancement. Despite numerous legislative measures designed to protect employee rights, discrimination based on sexual orientation continues to persist in many workplaces. This type of discrimination ranges from subtle bias and microaggressions to blatant discriminatory practices. It affects the professional lives of victims[…] Read More
What Are the Consequences of a Hostile Work Environment?
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
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