After months of searching for the perfect position, you may be ecstatic that you have finished navigating the hiring process. However, as you begin your new job, you may find that the environment is much more tense than other jobs you’ve worked in the past, as the employees and management engage in offensive behavior. As such, if you find yourself afraid to go to work for fear of being harassed, bullied, or intimidated, you may be the victim of a hostile work environment. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with a hostile work environment lawyer in Glouster County, NJ to assess your case and help you explore your legal options.
What Legally Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment in NJ?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that, under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), harassment based on protected traits is prohibited. This includes race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age, disability, pregnancy, and military status, among other protected classes.
As such, to constitute a hostile work environment, you must face harassment tied to one of these protected characteristics. Harassment can include slurs, threats, intimidation, insults, or any other form of consistent, unwanted remarks. Additionally, conduct must be severe or pervasive, meaning either one single extreme incident or continued behavior, both of which must ultimately alter the conditions of your employment.
You should also note that not all instances of rude or unprofessional behavior constitute a hostile work environment. For example, if you are micromanaged by your boss or your manager is an unpleasant person to work with, this does not constitute a hostile environment. To meet the legal definition, you must face illegal harassment.
What Are Common Signs of a Hostile Environment?
It’s important to understand how discrimination appears in the workplace so you can quickly identify any instances of harassment. As such, the following are some of the most common signs that you may be in an unhealthy environment:
- “Jokes” that target protected characteristics
- Excluding certain individuals from meetings or activities
- Passing over certain qualified individuals because of protected characteristics for promotions
- Assigning bad shifts or tasks
- Repeated contact outside of work hours
- Unwanted comments about physical appearance
- Requesting sexual favors
- Verbal abuse
- Spreading rumors or sabotaging opportunities
What Should I Do if I Think This Reflects My Circumstances?
If you believe you are currently being subjected to a hostile work environment, it’s imperative to understand your rights. Generally, you should document all incidents of harassment by keeping a log with dates, locations, names, and any evidence you can gather to support your claim.
Under New Jersey law, you must first report the harassment to your Human Resources department prior to pursuing a lawsuit. However, if the report is ignored or the harassment continues, you can then file a claim with the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
At the Vigilante Law Firm, P.C., we believe that no one should be afraid to go to work for fear of facing harassment at the hands of their colleagues. That is why our team is committed to helping you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact our firm today to discuss your legal options.
