It’s a common phrase that most employees hear, but do you actually understand what a hostile work environment is? A hostile work environment is a type of workplace harassment where unwelcome conduct or comments interfere with an employee’s work performance and ability to do their job. It can range from physical to verbal attacks, and it must be serious enough to make work conditions intimidating, hostile, or offensive.
What Is an Example of a Hostile Work Environment?
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines a hostile work environment as though the behavior offends one or more employees. It does not need to be directed at someone specifically. Some examples of hostile workplace behavior can include:
- Derogatory comments on an individual’s ethnicity, gender, age, or other protected characteristic.
- Verbal or physical threats.
- Unwelcome physical contact or advances.
- Intimidating or intimidating behavior.
- Discrimination against someone based on their disability.
- Sexual harassment.
- Bullying or teasing.
How to Prevent Hostile Work Environments
Companies that want to avoid the legal ramifications of a hostile work environment need to take appropriate preventive measures. This includes:
- Create and enforce policies prohibiting hostile behavior
- Establish a clear reporting procedure for employees to follow if they experience hostile behavior
- Regularly train employees and supervisors on appropriate workplace behavior
- Promptly investigate any reports of hostile behavior and take appropriate disciplinary action.
If you experience a hostile work environment, take the necessary steps to report it and document everything. In the meantime, be sure to take care of your mental and physical health by taking proper breaks away from the work environment, using relaxation techniques, or taking that vacation day you’ve been itching to take.
Conclusion
A hostile work environment can have a severely negative impact on your work life. Understanding what it is and how to prevent it can help you create a safer, more productive work place. If you feel you are in a hostile work environment, speak up to prevent it from happening again.