Understanding and Preventing Hostile Work Environments in California

An Examination of Issues Related to Race, Religion, Gender Identity, Age, and Disability

What Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment according to California Law?

In California, a hostile work environment is a form of employment discrimination that makes it difficult or impossible for an employee to do their job. To create a hostile work environment, someone in the workplace must exhibit behaviors that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. We often think of hostile work environments as centering on sexual harassment, but did you know that hostile work environments can be based on race, religion, gender identity, age, or disability as well?

A hostile work environment is defined as unwelcome conduct, based on a protected category such as race, gender, or religion, that is so severe or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Examples of a Hostile Work Environment

Examples of conduct that can create a hostile work environment include jokes, slurs, name-calling, physical assaults or threats, insulting or demeaning comments or behaviour, or the display of offensive objects or pictures.
Unwelcome comments, jokes, or other verbal or physical conduct because of an employee’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Coercing an employee to comply with requests that are inappropriate or hostile in nature.
Any form of retaliation against an employee who reports or opposes unlawful workplace behavior.
Someone in the workplace making regular derogatory remarks about a person’s race, religion, gender identity, age, or disability.
A supervisor repeatedly making unwelcome physical contact with an employee based their religion or gender identity.
An older employee being excluded from workplace conversations, meetings, or other activities due to their age.
An employee with a disability being denied an accommodation that would enable them to effectively do their job.
Co-workers regularly making jokes or offensive comments about an employee’s religion or gender identity.

Relevant Employment Laws

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants on the basis of their sex, gender, or sexual orientation. It also prohibits employers from creating a hostile work environment based on any of these protected characteristics.

Who Can Create a Hostile Work Environment

A hostile work environment can be created by anyone in the workplace. This includes supervisors, managers, co-workers, customers, vendors, and even those who are not employed by the company. Any behavior that is intimidating, offensive, or otherwise creates an uncomfortable or threatening work environment can be used to create a hostile work environment.

It must be noted that hostile work environments can be created by bosses and coworkers alike, and that workplace teasing, practical jokes, and other seemingly minor incidents can add up and create an overall hostile work environment.

By now, it should be clear that hostile work environments of all kinds can create a dangerous and uncomfortable atmosphere for employees. Those employees who believe they are in such an environment should take the necessary steps to protect themselves and pursue legal action if necessary.

What to do if you work in a Hostile Environment in California

Document and Report: Keep a record of any incidents or hostile behavior in the workplace, including dates, times, and witnesses. Report the hostile behavior to your supervisor and/or Human Resources. Employers must investigate harassment cases after they are reported.
Get Support: It is important to take care of your physical and mental health during difficult times. One effective way to do this is to reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust, such as a colleague, friend, or mental health professional. They can provide support and help you cope with the situation. Additionally, these conversations can help to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and identify more effective ways to cope. Taking the time to get the necessary support can be beneficial for your overall wellbeing.
Seek Legal Assistance: If the hostile environment is based on illegal discrimination or harassment, seek legal advice from an employment law attorney.
File a Complaint: File a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you feel you have been discriminated against in the workplace, filing a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an important step to take. You can file a complaint if you believe your civil rights have been violated, or if you have been the victim of workplace discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, disability, or national origin. To file a complaint with either the DFEH or the EEOC, you will need to provide documentation of the incident or incidents of discrimination and any other relevant information that can support your claim. Depending on the severity of the incident, it may also be necessary to provide contact information of any witnesses who can corroborate your story. After filing a complaint, the DFEH or the EEOC will conduct an investigation and make a determination if a violation occurred. If a violation is found, the agency will take appropriate action, which may include ordering the employer to take corrective action and/or provide financial compensation.
Consider Leaving: If the workplace environment is no longer suitable for you, it may be time to think about leaving your job and searching for a more suitable role. This is an extreme measure and should only be taken if you have exhausted all possible alternatives. Before making a final decision, you should consider speaking to your manager or HR representative to discuss the issues you are facing, and to see if there is any way to come to an agreement that is beneficial for both parties. If, however, it is clear that the situation is untenable, then it may be time to consider leaving your job and searching for a position elsewhere. However, it is advisable to talk to an employment attorney first. They will be able to provide you with the best advice on how to proceed, and can help ensure that your rights are being respected throughout the process.

If all the items are present and can be legally proved, the employee may be able to receive compensatory and punitive damages for the hostile work environment. In order to seek legal assistance, it is important to document all incidents and keep evidence of communication with the employer. Additionally, it may be beneficial to reach out to an employment lawyer to help you understand your rights and how to proceed according to the law.

The Road Ahead for a Discrimination-Free Workplace in California

As California continues to make meaningful strides in protecting employees from workplace discrimination, we must remain vigilant and continue to support policies that make it easier for employees to come forward and make their voices heard. Employers must also remain alert and aware of their responsibilities to protect employees from any hostile work environment based on race, religion, gender identity, age, or disability. All businesses should ensure compliance with the law and actively work to create environments of respect and inclusion for all employees. Ultimately, by creating safe and diverse workplaces, everyone can benefit from a work environment that is fairer, more productive, and more conducive to collaboration and progress.