What constitutes a hostile work environment?

A hostile work environment is an abusive work environment that negatively affects an employee’s performance due to harassment or discrimination. In Maryland, a hostile work environment exists when an employee is subjected to discriminatory or harassing conduct that has a negative impact on their performance or creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment. This can include such behaviors as bullying, offensive jokes or remarks, unwelcome physical contact, or any other type of behavior that is threatening or intimidating. Under Maryland law, employees are protected from discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion, and other characteristics. This means that employers are not allowed to create a hostile environment based on these characteristics. Harassment can be anything from offensive remarks to physical abuse, and both the employer and any individuals responsible for the hostile environment may be subject to legal action. To show that a hostile work environment exists, employees must demonstrate that the harassment was both severe and consistent, and that it impacted their ability to do their job. If the hostile environment is created by the employer or an individual, legal action can be taken against the employer or the individual. The employee may be able to recover damages and may be able to obtain other relief.

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