There is often confusion about what makes a work environment hostile. In broad terms, it is harassment — based on gender, race, color, national origin or age — so extensive that it creates a work environment that is threatening and offensive. If you are the victim of a hostile work environment, you need a New York City employment harassment lawyer to help you prove your claim.
A good New York employment harassment lawyer should have considerable experience with hostile work environment cases and should be able to help federal and private employees working in the state of New York.
Proving Employment Harassment
In addition to the discrimination factor, a hostile work environment is only said to exist if the harassment is either severe or pervasive enough to become a defining condition of the workplace or to hamper your ability to do your work.
A harasser can be your boss, a co-worker or a third party working with your employer. Inappropriate behavior can include:
• Racial slurs
• Offensive jokes
• Threats
• Demeaning or sexual photographs
• Age-related comments
It can be difficult to prove a hostile work environment. That is why speaking with an experienced New York City employment harassment lawyer is a good idea. A lawyer understands what it takes to structure a compelling case on your behalf and we will make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.
Work Environment Hostility and Sexual Harassment
If the inappropriate conduct that comprises the hostile work environment claim is of a sexual nature, then the claim is one of sexual harassment. Unwanted sexual advances, sexual jokes, photos and reprisal for rejecting sexual advances may contribute to a sexual harassment claim.