What Are the Most Common Examples of a Hostile Work Environment?
At Ricardo Lopez Law, P.C., our employment law attorneys represent clients throughout California who have been subjected to hostile work environments, so they can pursue a legal remedy that suits their unique circumstances. The first step in helping California employees fight to stop the harassing behavior and hold their employers accountable for the abusive conduct is to positively identify the unlawful conditions. Here is what employees need to know about recognizing a hostile work environment in California.
What are the Legal Requirements for Identifying a Hostile Work Environment in California?
Work is practically impossible to enjoy day in and day out, no matter how much you love your job. The reality is, no matter the industry or sector, employees must collaborate with other people who have differing personalities, beliefs, or points of view. This means not everyone is going to get along all the time. However, rude coworkers, obnoxious supervisors, or even unpleasant conditions may not rise to the legal definition of a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment is legally defined in California as a workplace in which inappropriate conduct of supervisors or coworkers has created a severe or pervasive harassing, discriminatory, or abusive environment that intimidates one or more employees. Common examples of a hostile work environment in California may include, but are not limited to:
- Discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, orientation, disability or nation of origin, or another protected category.
- Discussing sex acts or using sexually suggestive language.
- Displaying racist or sexually inappropriate pictures.
- Making inappropriate gestures.
- Making unwanted comments on physical qualities.
- Sabotaging an employee’s work or career.
- Telling offensive jokes about protected categories of people.
- Unwanted touching.
- Using slurs or insensitive terms.
When an employee’s desire or ability to work has been negatively impacted by their working environment, they may be subjected to a hostile work environment.
What Can I Do If I Am Subjected to a Hostile Working Environment in California?
If your ability to work has been affected by a hostile work environment, the first step is to address the conduct with a supervisor or human resources representative. If your employer knew about the hostile behavior but did not adequately intervene, or failed to investigate and address the issue, you do not have to suffer the consequences. We can help.
Contact Our Skilled Employment Law Attorneys in Long Beach Today for a Free Consultation
If your job performance has been negatively impacted by a hostile work environment, contact our experienced Long Beach employment law attorneys today by calling 213-634-7979 to discuss your case during a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the liable person or parties for their illegal workplace conduct. Call us now to learn more.