Hostile Work Environment Lawyer
What Is a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile work environment refers to a workplace atmosphere that makes one or more employees feel intimidated, scared, or unwelcome. It is often the result of offensive comments or unwelcome behaviors by coworkers and supervisors.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) notes that harassment often involves actions related to a person's:
- Race
- National origin
- Gender
- Pregnancy
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Religion
- Age
These types of harassment are addressed in a number of federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
How Common Are Hostile Work Environments?
Examples of Harassment
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- Discussing sex or use of sexually suggestive language
- Unwanted sexual attention
- Unwanted physical contact
- Telling offensive/off-color jokes
- Displaying/sharing offensive or insensitive images
- Use of slurs and bigoted language
Virtual Harassment During Remote Work
Have You Experienced Harassment at Your Workplace? Contact the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson
Bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination cannot be tolerated at the workplace. If your coworkers are abusive or your supervisor refuses to intervene, you can speak with attorney Dan A. Atkerson for legal assistance.
He has helped numerous white- and blue-collar workers in the greater Allen, Plano, and Frisco, TX, area. Since he works on a contingency fee basis, you will not have to worry about any attorney fees unless we can successfully resolve your case.
For more information about combatting hostile workplaces, contact our law firm online. You can also reach our office by phone.
Call for a Consultation
(214) 383-3606
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Helping Workers Throughout Texas An Attorney Who Will Fight for You
Dom Elizabeth
2023
Really nice attorney, although he couldn’t assist me. He provided an attorney for my situation, that was very kind of him to do! Ty again for taking a moment to help me :).
View on GoogleEverydayrayandjay D
2023
If I could give 10 stars I would. Dan is smart, swift, attentive, and aggressive! He is competent and extremely knowledgeable. He listens to his clients and fights hard to win!! I highly recommend him.
View on GoogleSexual Harassment
Creating a Hostile Workplace
Awareness of hostile work environments has greatly improved since Anita Hill testified during the 1991 confirmation hearing of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Explicit images, utterances, and gestures all can contribute to a hostile work environment and constitute acts of sexual harassment.
Quid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase meaning “this for that.” Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a superior at work threatens to fire or refuses to promote a subordinate if they reject the superior's sexual advances. This may be grounds for a retaliation claim against the superior or the employer.
Gender-Based Harassment in the Age of Remote Work
One might assume that remote work during the pandemic shields people from sexual harassment and other types of gender-based harassment. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Racial Discrimination
Racist and Off-Color Actions
Racist comments, actions, and imagery targeting Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Indigenous workers contribute to a hostile work environment. Harassing someone over their race or cultural background can interfere with the ability to perform normal work duties. It can also cause emotional distress that affects a person's life outside of work.
Making POCs Feel Excluded
It is important to keep in mind that the use of racial or ethnic slurs isn't the only way people create hostile environments for workers of color. An employer may keep people of color out of management positions or use language in advertising and training materials that makes workers of color feel excluded.
Disability Discrimination
Insults and Demoralizing Behavior
Many workers with disabilities experience hostile work environments from their peers and their supervisors. This ranges from an unwillingness to make accommodations to address a worker's needs to overt teasing of an employee for their disability. This conduct cannot be tolerated.
Ableist Language and Attitudes
Frequent offhand remarks about an employee's disability also constitute a hostile workplace. When coworkers do not consider you an equal or supervisors contribute to this kind of toxic work environment, it's crucial to speak with an employment discrimination lawyer about these matters.
Toxic Workplace Culture
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A toxic work culture means that harassment and offensive conduct are pervasive. This could be due to the employer's general philosophy or the discriminatory practices of the management at the company. In addition, supervisors may be encouraged to punish workers who speak out. The threat of retaliation allows the hostile atmosphere to continue.
Is Your Workplace Toxic or Hostile?
The Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson can help people in the greater Allen, Plano, or Frisco, TX, area who've had to endure a hostile workplace.
If you've noticed signs of a toxic company culture or a hostile workplace, we are ready to listen to you.
