Workplace hostility is fairly common across America, especially in larger corporations where stress prevails, deadlines get imposed and numerous personalities don’t mesh well. Unfortunately, not all hostile actions are illegal.
However, when hostility turns into aggression, discrimination, or retaliation, our Riverside hostile work environment attorney will take swift action in holding perpetrators accountable while collecting compensation for victims.
What Constitutes ‘Hostile’ In California?
The U.S. EEOC states that most isolated incidents, petty ‘slights’ and common annoyances do not constitute actionable hostility. By definition, a hostile work environment is created when harassment reaches a level any normal person would deem offensive, intimidating, or unfriendly.
For our Riverside hostile work environment attorney to take action, hostility must breach Americans with Disabilities Act, The ADEA (Aged Discrimination in Employment Act) or Civil Rights Act. Blurred lines may exist between that which is allowable, and that which violates protected classes.
Hostile work environments may arise when:
- A group of employees slings racial slurs at one or several individuals of color or foreign descent.
- An individual wants to physically challenge another individual because they have a speech impediment.
- Epithets, or unneeded name-calling, are focused on Jewish or other religious classes.
- Blatant interference with daily work activities by those who feel inclined to act inappropriately.
- Women are the butt of sexual innuendos or are sent provocative emails at work.
- Employees make fun of another because they’re wheelchair prohibited.
To determine if your claim can be successfully litigated, The Rager Law Firm should review facts surrounding your situation.
Steps Victims Can Take
Some situations may be isolated, one-time outbursts which a simple conversation with the offender can resolve. However, ongoing verbal or emotional abuse by supervisors or coworkers can terrify people focused on earning money for their families.
Take these steps if workplace hostility has started to spiral out of control:
- First, discuss your concerns with both the perpetrator and upper management. Arrange a small conference if need be.
- If your complaints are well received, all should be fine moving forward. If not, document the results of your conference, including those in the room, date and time.
- After each incident, document day and time, what was said (verbatim if possible).
- When you feel you’re reaching an ‘emotional tipping point’, visit The Rager Law Firm so someone professional can guide your next steps.
Employees shouldn’t have to beg for peace within their work environment. Although lighthearted joking shouldn’t be taken seriously, discriminatory remarks or those which make someone feel belittled or threaten their livelihood are definitely actionable offenses which we’re able to successfully litigate so long as every fact surrounding the incident passes a ‘reasonable doubt’ test.
Workplace Hostility Is Serious. Let Us Help.
Every employee, regardless of sex, should feel comfortable clocking into their respective positions without fear of threats, discrimination or unneeded adverse actions.
When you’ve had enough and want an experienced Riverside hostile work environment attorney to help vindicate you, contact The Rager Law Firm. We’ve handled many similar cases where excessive hostility led to compensation victims.