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A hostile work environment is legally defined as ongoing misconduct, harassment, or bullying based on race, sex, pregnancy, or social class by colleagues. This behavior permeates the workplace, distracting other employees from their tasks.
Have you experienced something similar? Such behavior is a clear violation of your rights, and consulting labor lawyers is a wise move. Use the tips below to ensure that this behavior is stopped immediately and does not continue.
Strategies
- Seek Support from a Mental Health Professional: Dealing with a hostile work environment can take a toll on your mental health. Consulting a mental health professional can provide you with coping strategies and emotional support, helping you manage stress and maintain your well-being.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the behavior. This documentation can be crucial if you need to take legal action or report the behavior to higher authorities.
- Understand Your Company’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies on workplace behavior and harassment. Knowing the official procedures and guidelines can help you navigate the situation more effectively and ensure your actions are in line with company protocols.
- Enhance Your Professional Skills: Strengthening your professional skills can boost your confidence and provide a buffer against the negativity of a hostile environment. Pursue additional training, certifications, or education to enhance your career prospects and resilience.
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- Maintain Professionalism: Always conduct yourself with professionalism, even in the face of hostility. This not only protects your reputation but also demonstrates your commitment to a positive work environment, which can be advantageous if the situation escalates.
- Explore Transfer Opportunities: If the hostility persists, consider exploring transfer opportunities within your organization. Moving to a different department or location can provide a fresh start and a healthier work environment.
- Build a Strong Support Network: Cultivate relationships with colleagues who are supportive and understanding. Having a network of allies can provide emotional support, advice, and a sense of camaraderie, helping you navigate the challenges more effectively.
- Research Legal Options: If the situation does not improve, research your legal options. Understanding your rights and potential courses of action can empower you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek justice if needed.
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Know Your Employee Rights
It’s crucial to educate yourself regarding the Workplace Code of Conduct and your rights as an employee. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has detailed the following acts as hostile behavior in the workplace – sexual harassment, discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, etc., and retaliation to whistleblowing.
Knowing your rights and how you deserve to be treated in the workplace and the company’s employment law allows you to detect hostility. Allowing you to act before things get out of hand.
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The first step in dealing with a hostile colleague is to confront them directly and try to resolve the matter yourself. If you are non-confrontational or conflict-averse, consider enlisting another colleague to mediate between you and the perpetrator. A mediator’s responsibility is to facilitate the conversation, ensuring it remains respectful and free of insults, slurs, or inappropriate remarks. The mediator’s role is to assist in achieving a resolution and fostering a more positive work environment.
Keep Records of the Hostile Acts
Should your colleague’s hostile behavior towards you persist, start recording all the insults, slurs, and acts of harassment you encounter. If the perpetrator is called for an internal disciplinary hearing, these records may be presented as evidence to strengthen your case.
Report Incidents to HR
If your attempt to involve a mediator fails, the next step is to approach your Human Resources (HR) department. HR is responsible for ensuring that employees’ rights in the workplace are not violated.
HR will follow its procedures, one of which is a disciplinary hearing for the perpetrator. At the hearing, you may present your evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you have been a victim of workplace hostility. The company will then proceed to punish the perpetrator accordingly. Punishments may vary depending on the severity of the hostility and could include mandatory unpaid leave, anger management classes, or termination of employment.
Join a Workers Union
A workers union or trade union often acts as the mediator between employees and employers. Typically, the union negotiates employee health and safety conditions, salary rates, wages, and retrenchment.
A union is legally required to assist you, as a member, with any workplace-related matters. If the HR department in your company fails to resolve the issue, the union will step in.
Find Allies in the Workplace
It isn’t easy to settle into a workplace environment, especially if you are new or a recently hired graduate. It is common to find a group of employees who have become close. You might feel left out as you are new and don’t know anybody.
However, it is vital to break the social barriers and approach a group with whom you think you are most likely to get along. These allies will be very helpful when office banter begins.
Plan Your Last Resort
Find ways to deal with hostility calmly and non-aggressively. Engage in activities that take your mind off the workplace, such as taking a walk, drinking a cup of tea, meditating, or listening to your favorite feel-good music.
In the end, managing hostile relationships in the workplace is not an easy task. It can be draining and daunting, but with the right strategies, you can navigate these challenges effectively.
Additional Resources
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$24.00$15.00Buy from Amazon.comAre you working for a hostile, harassing boss that is ruining your days and keeping you awake at night? Did you just get hit with a bad review, or slapped with a performance improvement plan that you didn't deserve?
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11/22/2024 12:13 am GMT -
$7.99Buy on AmazonThis book raises awareness on incidents of harassment and gives tips on handling this illicit conduct in the workplace.
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$19.99$11.45Buy on Amazon.comThis critical resource gives managers, HR, and anyone who may come into contact with someone in trauma—including workplace violence, harassment, assault, illness, addiction, fraud, bankruptcy, and more—the tools they need to be prepared for what lies ahead.
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$49.99$34.36Buy on Amazon.comThis book is packed with the legal and practical information you need to handle all kinds of issues—from small corrective actions to major problems that put your company at risk. It provides proven techniques—and immediate solutions.
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