What Is A Hostile Work Environment? (And How To Deal With It)

Many individuals believe that bullying is a problem confined to school, but the reality is that toxic coworkers can create a hostile work environment, making your professional life challenging.

Unfortunately, issues such as racism, sexual harassment, and workplace bullying persist in many workplaces. Recent studies indicate that a significant number of employees report experiencing bullying at work.

However, it is possible to navigate these challenges, uphold your self-respect, and continue to succeed in your career. Here are essential strategies for managing a hostile work environment.

Key Takeaways:

• A hostile work environment occurs when a colleague’s actions or words prevent you from performing your job effectively.

• For an environment to be legally considered hostile, the conduct must be discriminatory, which includes:

  • Offensive jokes

  • Physical threats or assaults

  • Inappropriate images or objects

  • Slurs

• It is crucial to document any inappropriate behavior to report it to a supervisor or human resources representative.

What Is a Hostile Work Environment?

A hostile work environment exists when a colleague’s behavior or words significantly disrupt your ability to perform your job. Legally, this means that such behavior fundamentally alters your employment conditions and undermines your expectations for a safe and respectful workplace.

1. To qualify as a hostile work environment, the actions must also be discriminatory. Employees can file claims under federal law with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

2. The burden rests on the reporter to demonstrate discrimination based on:

   • Race

   • Gender

   • Color

   • Religion

   • Sexual orientation

   • National origin

   • Disability

   • Age

   • Pregnancy

   Such actions must also be deemed abusive.

3. Not every rude or unfair behavior constitutes a hostile work environment. While unpleasant, it doesn’t always meet the legal criteria. However, abusive comments regarding gender, race, or age cross the line.

4. Lastly, the behavior must be ongoing and materially hinder your work. Isolated comments that don’t impede your performance may not qualify. However, if such behavior recurs and goes unaddressed, you may file a complaint with the EEOC within 180 days of the incident.

Signs of a Hostile Work Environment

The EEOC identifies a hostile work environment as one where “conduct creates a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to reasonable people.” They provide examples of hostile behaviors, including:

• Offensive jokes

• Slurs

• Epithets

• Name-calling

• Physical assaults or threats

• Intimidation

• Mockery or ridicule

• Insults or put-downs

• Inappropriate images or objects

• Interference with work performance

Additionally, they clarify that:

• The relationship between the harasser and the victim is irrelevant.

• Anyone affected by the offensive conduct can file a claim, not just the victim.

• Illegal harassment can occur without economic injury to the victim or leading to their termination.

How to Deal With a Hostile Work Environment

1. Approach HR or a supervisor. The first step in addressing the issue is to ensure that the appropriate parties are aware of what’s happening. Confronting a bully can be daunting, especially if you interact with them daily. Having intermediaries who can formally address the behavior is a good start.

   • If you feel like you’re tiptoeing around a toxic coworker, it may be time to report the behavior.

   • Document all incidents to maintain a complete record of the behavior.

   • Collect any evidence available, such as emails, witness statements, or other proof of the toxic behavior.

   • Review company policies regarding workplace bullying, which may outline procedures or provide access to anonymous reporting options.

   • If the coworker physically harms you or damages your property, report it to the authorities.

   • Keep in mind that unless the behavior is illegal, HR may suggest you resolve the issue directly with the coworker.

2. Put your complaint in writing. While it may seem uncomfortable, this situation could escalate to a legal matter or an internal dispute. Having a clear, unemotional written record will strengthen your case if required.

   Also, request that any warnings issued to the offending employee be documented, providing a clear timeline of events.

3. File a complaint with the EEOC. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission addresses hostile workplace claims. Their contact number is 1-800-669-4000, and their website offers a jurisdiction map to locate your nearest office: EEOC Contact Information.

   Note that this step should be considered after making multiple complaints and gathering ample documentation of the incidents.

If a claim is successful, the employer may be held liable for the hostile work environment.

Types of Workplace Bullies

1. Passive-Aggressive Patty. This person avoids openly expressing negative feelings. They may feign kindness while harboring ulterior motives.

   • Deliberately failing at tasks to avoid future responsibilities.

   • Intentionally delaying tasks as a form of punishment.

   • Offering insincere compliments that end with a backhanded remark.

2. Judgmental Judy. This individual feels a need to assert her superiority, often to mask her own insecurities.

   • Being overly critical and nitpicky.

   • Bragging about accomplishments.

   • Consistently criticizing you in front of others.

   • Offering unsolicited advice on how to improve.

3. Manipulative Mark. This person appears friendly at first but seeks to control and undermine you.

   • Playing the victim and making you feel responsible for conflicts.

   • Accusing you of overreacting when you express discomfort.

   • Attacking you and then questioning your defensiveness.

4. All About Me Amanda. This individual demands attention and expects others to cater to her needs.

   • Dominating discussions in meetings without allowing others to contribute.

   • Throwing tantrums if things don’t go her way.

   • Imposing her way as the only acceptable approach.

How Bullying May Affect You at Work

Bullying can take various forms, including physical intimidation and emotional distress. It can disrupt your work life significantly.

The struggle is real as you:

• Leave meetings in tears after hurtful comments.

• Feel overwhelmed when given last-minute tasks.

• Experience anger as false narratives about you circulate.

• Feel anxious when encountering the bully.

• Wonder if you should take a sick day to avoid the situation.

• Face difficulty focusing on daily tasks.

• Start to contemplate a job change due to the toxic environment.

For more information on how workplace bullying can affect mental health, read our detailed guide.

Deflect, Disarm, and Defuse Potential Bullies

Bullies tend to target newcomers, individuals they envy, or those who appear vulnerable.

• No one deserves to be bullied, and you can take steps to disarm them. Bullies thrive on reactions; by remaining calm and unaffected, you lessen their power.

• Project confidence. Bullies seek out those they perceive as weak. By standing tall and asserting yourself, you become a less appealing target.

• Distance yourself from the bully. If they are nearby, wait to refill your coffee or socialize with supportive coworkers.

• Prepare a response for verbal attacks. Agree with them or acknowledge their comments without showing distress, and walk away.

• Don’t take their words personally. Understand that their behavior stems from their insecurities, not your worth.

For additional advice, check out:

• Dealing with a difficult coworker

• Dealing with bullies at work

Why Bullies Get Away With It

Bullies often manipulate situations to maintain their power, forming alliances with influential colleagues to shield themselves.

They may socialize with supervisors, ensuring their behavior is overlooked due to their perceived value to the organization.

Leaving Your Job Because of Bullying

Feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the bullying may persist, impacting your mental and physical well-being.

It’s challenging to perform at your best when you’re constantly on edge, worried about what your coworker might do next.

• If you’ve informed HR about the bullying and it continues, you might consider leaving your job.

• If the situation escalates, prioritize your safety. Gather your essential items and ensure your work area is organized before leaving.

• Remain calm and composed when communicating your resignation to your boss. Clearly state your reasons and the impact of the bullying on your performance.

• It’s important to convey that you haven’t made this decision lightly. Share how the bullying affected your work and well-being.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.