Definition: A hostile work environment is a workplace in which unwelcome comments or conduct based on gender, race, age or other legally protected characteristics unreasonably interferes with an employee’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment for the employee who is being harassed and for other workers.
A hostile work environment is created when anyone in a workplace commits this type of harassment, including a co-worker, a supervisor or manager, a contractor, client, vendor, or visitor. In addition to the person who was directly harassed, other employees who are impacted by the harassment (by hearing or viewing it) are also considered victims.
The law is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Any individual who believes that his or her employment rights have been violated may file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC.
Alternate Spellings: hostile working environment
