What constitutes a hostile work environment?

A hostile work environment is a type of workplace harassment that has a negative impact on an employee’s performance and well-being. It is an environment in which an employee is subjected to unwelcome behavior, comments, or actions from another employee or employer that is offensive, intimidating, or oppressive. In Washington, a hostile work environment is considered a form of discrimination under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). The most common type of hostile work environment is one where an employee is harassed based on their race, gender, age, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. For example, if an employer repeatedly makes comments about an employee’s race or gender in a negative way, this could constitute a hostile work environment. In addition to discriminatory comments and behavior, a hostile work environment can also include physical or threatening behavior. It can also result from an employer’s failure to take action to stop discriminatory actions against an employee. This can include failing to properly investigate reports of discrimination or harassment. In Washington, an employee who feels they are being subjected to a hostile work environment is encouraged to file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The Commission will investigate the complaint and take action if they decide the employee has experienced harassment prohibited by law.

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What constitutes a hostile work environment?

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