- New Jersey Sexual Harassment Lawyer
- New Jersey Retaliation Lawyer
- New Jersey Family and Medical Leave Lawyer
- New Jersey Hostile Work Environment Lawyer
- New Jersey Equal Pay Lawyer
- New Jersey Employment Discrimination Lawyer
- New Jersey Unpaid Overtime or Wages Lawyer
- New Jersey Severance and Separation Lawyer
- New Jersey Whistleblower Retaliation Lawyer
- New Jersey Wrongful Termination Lawyer
- New Jersey Contract Review and Negotiation Attorney
HOSTILE
THE WORKPLACE IS SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE AN ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH EMPLOYEES CAN PERFORM THEIR DUTIES
Nobody should feel harassed at work. Unfortunately, a hostile environment is a sad reality in too many offices. Employees face abusive work conditions, which make coming into work difficult.
The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi is dedicated to helping workers vindicate their rights to a fair and unbiased workplace. Nobody should suffer harassment on the job, which is completely unacceptable. Contact our office to discuss possible legal options. You have important rights under state and federal law, including the right to seek compensation. We can put an employer on notice and possibly file a discrimination charge.
What is a Hostile Work Environment?
Every job is stressful. Many people dread Monday morning because they must return to work. But some harassment is different, especially when based on a protected characteristic, such as religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age. A workplace becomes “hostile” when harassment is sufficiently pervasive that it becomes abusive.
Both state and federal law prohibit harassment motivated by certain protected characteristics, such as gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, age, and disability.
Although a stray or random offensive joke is insufficient to make a workplace hostile, repeated harassment will certainly tip the balance. Nobody should face a barrage of offensive jokes, nicknames, gestures, or imagery.
What Can a Worker Do?
Nobody should tolerate a harassing or hostile work environment. Helpfully, laws protect workers from retaliation for complaining. An employer should investigate and stamp out harassment. Furthermore, companies should already offer training on harassment so that employees know what conduct is and is not acceptable.
Once your employer is notified, they are liable if they allow the harassment to continue. Without notification, your employer’s liability depends on who is harassing you: a boss, coworker, or someone else (like vendors).
Contact our office. We can discuss all options:
- You can bring a lawsuit in certain situations for compensation, job reinstatement, or other remedies.
- You can file a charge with the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights. They can investigate and propose a settlement.
FAQs about Hostile Work Environments
Can I complain about harassment if I am not the worker being harassed?
Yes. You do not have to be the target of a harassment campaign to complain. For example, another worker might face unending sexual harassment. If this harassment makes the workplace uncomfortable for you, then you can complain.
Can a white employee be racially harassed?
Yes. Harassment claims are not limited to those who belong to ethnic minorities. Both state and federal laws prohibit discrimination based on race, and these laws protect white employees from harassment.
How do I know if the workplace is hostile?
You should meet with an experienced discrimination lawyer. Harassing conduct usually includes slurs or epithets, offensive language or gestures, and degrading or offensive imagery. We can help you determine if the environment is hostile in totality.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Office
A Paramus hostile work environment lawyer can discuss the harassment you have faced in a private consultation. We can also go over what evidence you need to strengthen your legal claim. Contact us today.