How to report a hostile work environment

A hostile working environment is when a superior or peer humiliates you in some form, verbally, physically, or otherwise. It might also include a quid pro quo, this is when any job benefit, like a promotion, raise, or similar, is offered to you in exchange for your engagement in some form of sexual behavior.

• Write down everything

After the incident(s), write down as much information on the experience as possible. This is not your official complaint to HR, but you can use this as a reference when writing it. Try to stick to the facts.

• Write the complaint when you are calm

If possible you should write your complaint when you are calm, and not when you are agitated. You should not do it directly after the incident involved in the complaint has taken place, the key here is to remain objective and to state the facts pertaining to the conflict and the individual(s) involved in it.

• Remain professional

It is important to not write too long of a complaint unless there have been many occurrences of harassment, illegal activity, or the breaking of company policies. 500 words or less is a good aim.

• Witnesses statements

If there were other employees who witnessed the incident involved in your complaint you should ask them if you can use their official statements. You can make a section of the letter dedicated to this if it makes it easier in any way.

• Submit to HR

After you are finished with your complaint make sure you save a copy for your own records. This can be useful if the incidents or related incidents occur in the future.