Think Your Work Environment is Hostile? Here are Five Telltale Signs

Think Your Work Environment is Hostile? Here are Five Telltale Signs

It is natural for people to not want to go to work sometimes. In the best of cases, this is simply due to the fact that they would rather stay home and relax, or even go on vacation. In the worst of circumstances though, people do not want to go to work because of a darker reason. Hostile work environments can make people feel frustrated and trapped because while they dread going to work, they also have to provide for their families.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, slight annoyances and isolated events do not constitute a hostile work environment. However, a workplace that makes people feel scared, intimidated, or uncomfortable may be considered hostile. If you have started to want to avoid work, you may wonder if it is normal, or if it is because you are subjected to hostility while there. So, how do you tell? The five telltale signs of a hostile workplace may help.

You are the Victim of Discrimination

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects workers from discrimination based on their color, race, gender, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, and national origin. If your employer is discriminating against you based on any of these characteristics, it is likely you are working in a hostile environment.

You are the Victim of Sexual Harassment

No one should ever experience sexual harassment, at work or anywhere else. Sexual harassment at work can take many forms including sexual jokes, unwanted touching, or requests for sexual favors. Many people think that in order for sexual harassment to take place, there must have been an offer for a promotion or other work-related benefit, but that is not true. Any inappropriate sexual behavior at work can constitute harassment and point to a hostile work environment.

You are the Victim of Violence

Just as no one should become the victim of sexual harassment, they should also never be exposed to violence while on the job. The threat of violence can also constitute a hostile work environment, even when the threat is never carried out.

You are the Victim of Humiliation

Too many people think that insults, cruel jokes, and other humiliating behavior is all just part of the job. It is not, and no one should stand for it when they are subjected to this type of behavior. If you are feeling embarrassed or frustrated as a result of being belittled, you may be working in a hostile environment.

Your Instincts Are Telling You

Sometimes, you must just have a gut feeling that your workplace is hostile but you cannot articulate it in words. An employment lawyer can help you pinpoint the toxicity and help you take action.

Our Ohio Employment Lawyers are Here to Help

If you are working in a hostile work environment, our Columbus employment lawyers at Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC are here to help. We can identify the behaviors that are contributing to a hostile work environment, and hold your employer accountable for their actions or inactions. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our skilled attorneys so we can review your case.