A hostile work environment exists when an employee experiences workplace harassment and fears going to work because of the offensive, intimidating or oppressive atmosphere generated by the harasser. When an employer directly causes or allows others to engage in discriminatory conduct at the workplace, the employee may have a hostile work environment claim.
The hostile work environment must be based on discriminatory conduct such as:
This harassment that makes the workplace hostile may be directed at you. The harassment may occur indirectly, such as general comments or actions. Indirect hostility must occur with regularity such as to make the workplace environment unbearable.
The anti-discrimination statutes concerning hostile work environments are not a general civil code. Because of this, federal law does not prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments or isolated incidents that are not particularly serious. The conduct must be so offensive as to change the conditions or the environment of the person’s employment. The conditions of employment are adverse only if the harassment concludes in a concrete employment action or is sufficiently harsh or persistent to create a hostile work environment.
Hostile work environments are nothing to joke about, so it’s important to speak with an attorney who is passionate about helping those who are mistreated. With over 20 years of experience and a strong record to show for it, Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates has served Michigan residents, recovering millions of dollars for clients across an array of practice areas. Contact Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates at 248-886-8650, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if you believe your employment has been adversely, unlawfully or unfairly affected.
