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Workplace Discrimination: Hostile Environment

Workplaces can become a battleground for many employees if they transform into a hostile environment, detrimentally affecting their mental and physical health and diminishing their productivity.

In this article, we will delve into the intricate concept of a hostile work environment, the laws that govern it, and how an Orange County hostile workplace lawyer from Brockmeier Law Group, can make a significant difference.

What Is a Hostile Work Environment?

According to the language of employment law, it refers to a situation where an employee’s workplace becomes intimidating, offensive, or oppressive due to the severity or regularity of discriminatory behaviors. These may include offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, name-calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule, insults, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.

California Law and Hostile Work Environments

In the context of California law, a hostile work environment is identified as inappropriate behavior that is severe or pervasive enough to establish an abusive work atmosphere for one or more employees. This behavior is based on protected characteristics, such as race, religion, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

The discrimination should be severe enough to alter the conditions of the victim’s employment and create an abusive working environment. In other words, it’s not just about a mere isolated incident; it’s about a pattern that generates an environment of hostility.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from unlawful discrimination in employment. Under FEHA, employers are held responsible for all types of workplace harassment, whether the harassment was committed by a supervisor, a co-worker, or even a non-employee such as a client or a customer.

When Should You Consult an Irvine Hostile Workplace Lawyer?

There is no better time than the present to seek professional help if you believe you are a victim of a hostile work environment. Employment law attorneys in Orange County, CA, particularly at the Brockmeier Law Group, specialize in identifying the nuances of these types of cases. We can provide legal advice tailored to your situation and guide you on the necessary steps toward filing a claim.

Remember, enduring a hostile work environment is not a sign of strength or resilience. Reach out to an Orange County hostile workplace lawyer for help and guidance to navigate the complexities of your case.