What Is a Hostile Work Environment for Coworkers?
A hostile work environment is present when the actions of other workers in the workplace make it difficult or impossible for an employee to perform a job. The treatment must be related to the employee’s status in a class that federal or state law protects from discrimination, such as race, sex, age (40 and over), religion or disability. Managers, as well as coworkers, can create a hostile work environment, which violates Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employees can report a claim to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
