Labor laws in California guarantee employees the right to work in a safe environment that is free from discrimination and hostility. Labor laws not only offer protection to workers, but they make for a happier workplace, which boosts profitability.
Unfortunately, some employers don’t always adhere to the rules and regulations and hostile work environments can occur. What constitutes a hostile work environment?
Harassment
Disagreements can occur in the workplace and it’s difficult for colleagues to see eye-to-eye all the time, especially in larger corporations. With that being said, no employee should face harassment.
Harassment is an unwanted pattern of conduct that makes a worker feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Often, harassment stems from abusive comments in person or online and can even take physical forms such as hitting and pushing.
Discrimination
All workers should be judged based on their merit. An employee cannot be treated differently and ostracized based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, gender, age or disability. Any form of discrimination can not only make the person on the receiving end feel uncomfortable, but it can create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety within the workplace.
Hostile work environments aren’t always easy to identify. However, if you and/or your colleagues feel threatened, isolated and miserable at work, it’s probably a sign that something is amiss. Employees on the receiving end of hostility often lose the confidence to come forward. It’s important to try and fight the urge to stay quiet.
Remember, as an employee, you have a right to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and hostility. Seek legal guidance to find out more about how California Labor laws protect you.