Signs That Show You Work in a Hostile Environment

Dreading getting up and going to work every morning is something that more Americans experience than you might think. In fact, as of 2017, one out of every five Americans said that they work in an environment that can be described as hostile. If you are one of those Americans, it’s time to consult an experienced Los Angeles hostile work environment attorney from Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers. In today’s blog, we discuss the signs that show you work in a hostile environment.

Being Shamed in Front of Everyone

It’s understandable that employees need to be corrected or reprimanded every so often for their poor performance, behavior, or other issues. However, no one should be shamed in front of the rest of the company by a superior. Public shaming is a telltale sign of a hostile work environment.

Unhealthy Competition

It’s human nature to be competitive with family members, friends, and co-workers. However, when a superior encourages unhealthy competition between employees, it can lead to a hostile work environment. You can spot this type of behavior when employees start harassing each other, bullying each other, or when work becomes prohibited because of the competition.

Favoritism That is Never Hidden

You might have always thought that John was the boss’s favorite employee, but you have never been able to prove it. In some hostile work environments, blatant favoritism makes going to work challenging. This often manifests in favorited employees who are allowed to break the rules, skip work without repercussions, and more.

Being Labeled as a Scapegoat

When one person blames mistakes and problems on someone else, even if that person had nothing to do with the problem, this is known as scapegoating. Victims of hostile work environments will often experience scapegoating. Superiors who constantly blame their shortcomings or failures on subordinates are creating a hostile work environment.

Unfair Practices That Prevent Advancement

The goal of most workers is to advance as far as possible within an organization. Advancement can be blocked by superiors when they use unfair practices or tactics to prevent it. This turns the workplace into a hostile environment because no matter what you do, you won’t be able to receive a promotion. Your superior might badmouth you to administrators who don’t know you, write false reports for your personnel file, issue unfair disciplinary action against you, and other actions.

The California Labor Code

California Labor Code Section 6401 states: “Every employer shall do every other thing reasonably necessary to protect the life, safety, and health of employees.” If you suspect that you are the victim of a hostile work environment, it’s time to speak with a Los Angeles hostile work environment attorney.

Consult a Los Angeles Hostile Work Environment Attorney Today

Have you been harassed, abused, or taunted at work on a regular basis? Are you afraid to report the behavior for fear of retaliation? If so, you might be the victim of a hostile work environment. Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers represents clients who have problems with their employers. A Los Angeles hostile work environment attorney from our firm can fight for your right to a peaceful workplace. Call our office at 310-527-6994 to schedule a consultation today.