When a North Carolina employee goes to work, that individual the right to do his or her job without fear of illegal or inappropriate treatment. Unfortunately, there are times when someone may get stuck in a hostile work environment, and it may seem like a daunting task to make it stop and seek justice. Victims of the effects of hostile work environments have the right to speak out and take the necessary steps to hold their employers accountable for what they experienced.
What is it, and how can someone make it stop?
A hostile work environment is a situation in which a co-worker, employer, supervisor or someone else impacts a person’s ability to do his or her job. This often happens through inappropriate words or illegal actions, including the following:
- Any type of harassment, including sexual harassment
- Discrimination or inappropriate conduct based on gender, age or other factors
- An environment that is intimidating and abusive for the victim
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, proving a hostile work environment requires evidence that the harassment was severe and that it took place on a consistent and long-lasting basis.
Fighting for justice
Those suffering because of a hostile work environment do not have to go to work each day and suffer in silence. Victims may speak out about what they are experiencing, seeking justice and compensation through the North Carolina civil justice system. An employee who believes that he or she is the victim of illegal treatment in the workplace may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney about his or her legal options.