There is no reason that a workplace should not be pleasant. In a perfect world, a workplace should fulfill its function of making money or producing services during working hours, then allowing everyone to go home at the end of the day feeling – if not satisfied. – at least positive.
But it’s not always the case. Sometimes co-workers and managers bring inordinate emotions and unhealthy competitiveness to the workplace. Sometimes they let their prejudices and prejudices escape in actions that are both implicit and explicit. And every now and then a coworker will be downright appalling: physically, verbally and / or sexually abusive.
It can be difficult to know what to do in a hostile work environment. Part of you knows that what you are going through is wrong. But another part of you – an understandable human part – wants to avoid confrontation, continue to please, or avoid jeopardizing your job.
In this article, let’s explore some examples of hostility in the workplace and offer some tips on what to do.
What are some examples of hostility at work?
Hostility can come in many forms. It’s not just physical violence. Examples of hostility in the workplace include, but are not limited to:
- Discriminatory comments or hiring practices
- Widespread bullying
- Offensive jokes, unwelcome comments and sexual advances
- Actively preventing someone from doing their job
- Common bullying
- And the removal of the victims of the above hostilities
Please note that this is not a complete list of examples, but rather an illustration of certain forms of harassment which can constitute a hostile work environment.
When to contact an employment lawyer
If you feel that something is wrong with your workplace, contact an employment lawyer. It’s usually that easy. Often there is no smoking gun, no dramatic incident to look for. Instead, it’s a feeling most people experience when they experience it: the feeling of being oppressed, repressed, discriminated against, mistreated, or coerced.
If you have been unfairly dismissed from a hostile work environment, contact a unfair dismissal lawyer to determine your rights. If you are still at the company in question, contact an employment lawyer who offers harassment services. They can offer advice and discuss your options.
Manage hostility through human resources
You can choose to resolve the dispute by filing an internal complaint through human ressources, who can act as a mediator or recommend disciplinary action. Sometimes people are afraid to go to their HR representative; they are part of the company and as such it may seem like they are indistinguishable from the harsh environment. Plus, you don’t want to face a disciplinary backlash if your HR rep doesn’t agree with you.
But it’s important to know: Federal law protects people who file complaints. And even without these safeguards in place, most HR reps are independent, sympathetic parties who want what’s best for employees – including you.
In short, your workplace should never make you feel discriminated against, unsafe, uncomfortable or disenfranchised. In some cases, what may seem like a joke or a “bad mood” may in fact be against the law. If you feel like your workplace is hostile, talk to an employment lawyer or HR representative.
Interesting related article: “Have you been the victim of sexual harassment on the job?” “