What is a Hostile Work Environment?

Harassment at work can create a hostile work environment that is illegal under state and federal laws. Illegal harassment is conduct that is, 1) unwelcome; 2) based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), or disability; 3) the conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or the conduct is so severe or pervasive that it creates a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Anti-discrimination laws also prohibit retaliation and harassment against individuals who file a discrimination charge, testifying, or participating in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or lawsuit under these laws; or individuals who oppose employment practices that they reasonably believe is discrimination, in violation of these laws. Isolated incidents, minor insults, and annoyances will typically not rise to the level of unlawful hostile work environment. To be unlawful, the conduct must create a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to a reasonable person. If you believe you've experienced a hostile work environment, request a free consult with our attorneys.

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