Do Not Be Complacent With A Hostile Work Environment

Distasteful jokes are told all the time. Just log in to your Netflix account and find the array of comedian specials. Click on any one of them and someone can find something offensive
(except maybe for Hannah Gadsby’s set, she is a genius). Nonetheless, crude jokes that are offensive are easy to find and sometimes people are quick to repeat these jokes without considering the consequences. Just because someone tells one or two offensive jokes does not mean that you are working in a hostile environment. However, it is a behavior to keep under consideration because the difference between a harmless joke and a hostile work environment is how much of it builds over time.

No one likes working in an uncomfortable place. But there are times when the job you really want means that you have to deal with behavior that you are not comfortable with. It also means that you are working at a place where criticism is met with stunning consequences. You start to catch on quickly. If you want to progress in the company then you better keep your mouth shut and just take the behavior because if you try to change it then you will be terminated and reputation ruined. That level of toxicity is a hostile work environment. This is all too familiar for the staff workers of Los Angeles Congressman Brad Sherman whose right-hand man, Matt Dababneh, was accused of sexual misconduct.

The interns who worked for Sherman were unpaid and had to report to Dababneh. The accusations against Dababneh were consistent with what many interns understood about Dababneh’s character. But since they were lowly employees who are looking to add stellar jobs to their resumes, it was not seen as appropriate to criticize their workplace. Later, interns spoke up about Rep Sherman not showing any interest at all in the safety or personal well-being of the interns. There was no reason to believe that even if the interns spoke up that Sherman would have done something to change the toxic work environment.

Toxicity and hostile work environments do not just start overnight. They are typically long patterns of behavior that go unchecked and create heavy discomfort. Don’t be complacent with a hostile work environment. You have rights as an employee to call out the mess of the office and our Los Angeles Hostile Work Environment Attorney at Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers is here to help you through this process.

We are aware that making a hostile environmental work claim is scary. If you felt that you couldn’t say anything at work, imagine trying to bring a suit against it! Our attorneys at Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers in Los Angeles are here to tell you that you are not alone. We are here to stand beside you and be a strong advocate for your case. No one should feel unsafe at work and you shouldn’t lose your job because you refuse to play along. Call 310-527-6994 or click here to start your journey with us today.