Each day when you go to work, you have the right to perform your job responsibilities in a safe and controlled work environment. Depending on the industry that you are a part of in Missouri, you may face unique risks that are related to your line of work. However, you should never be fearful of the actions of others or have to deal with repetitive harassment while at work. When you understand what a hostile work environment is, you can be aware of behaviors that you should report immediately to protect yourself and your career.
According to the Washington Business Magazine, hostility in the workplace goes beyond casual joking. If you have been the recipient of verbiage or actions that are threatening, belittling, offensive, abusive or intimidating, you are working in an environment that is hostile and unsafe. When investigators get involved in your case, some of the things they will assess include the following:
- Are you a member of a protected class because of your race, disability, gender or social status? Was the abuse related to your personal background?
- Was the attention you are receiving unwanted and unsolicited by your actions?
- Did the harassment pose an immediate threat to your safety? Did the harrassment put you at risk of losing your job or did it prevent you from performing your job duties effectively?
In many cases, deciphering whether or not conduct is acceptable or not is relatively clear. If you suspect that someone is mistreating you at the cost of your own safety or job security, you should immediately disclose the allegations to your employer. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.
