Experiencing a Hostile Work Environment? Get Legal Support by the Top Employment Law Attorneys in New York

A hostile work environment can severely impact your job performance and career advancement. It is illegal for employers to permit discriminatory comments or behaviors that create such an environment. If you experience offensive comments, bullying, racist jokes, unwanted sexual advances, unfair treatment, or crude gestures at work, you have the right to seek justice. No one should have to tolerate a hostile work environment. Our experienced employment attorneys in New York, are ready to assist any employee experiencing a hostile workplace across Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and parts of Upstate New York.

Understanding Hostile Work Environments

A work environment is considered hostile when discriminatory behavior interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) protect employees from such conditions. Recent legal changes in New York State have expanded workplace harassment protections, eliminating the requirement that harassment must be “severe or pervasive” to be actionable. Now, any employee treated less favorably than their peers can sustain a hostile work environment claim.

Legal Protections Against a Hostile Work Environment

When workplace conditions become intolerable due to discriminatory actions, you may have a claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the NYCHRL. These laws protect against discrimination based on characteristics such as age, race, gender, and more.

Key Protections:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
• New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL): Extends protections to all employees and non-employees in the state, covering all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Making a Hostile Work Environment Claim

To sustain a viable hostile work environment claim, you must prove that the discriminatory conduct was so severe or pervasive that it affected your ability to perform your job. Importantly, the offensive conduct must be discriminatory in nature, targeting a protected characteristic such as age, race, or gender.

Elements of a Claim:

• Frequency of Conduct: How often the offensive behavior occurred.
• Severity of Conduct: Whether the behavior included physical threats or public humiliation.
• Impact on Job Performance: Whether the conduct interfered with your ability to perform your job duties.
• Totality of Circumstances: Courts will consider all relevant circumstances surrounding the conduct.

Documenting all inappropriate behavior and consulting with an experienced discrimination attorney is crucial to building a strong case. An attorney at Shalom Law can help gather evidence, navigate legal procedures, and advocate on your behalf.

You Do Not Have to Suffer in Silence – Shalom Law Is Here to Help

At Shalom Law, we have years of experience advocating for employees facing hostile work environments, discrimination, and other employment law issues. We understand the challenges and fears associated with these situations and are committed to fighting for your rights. Contact Shalom Law to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

For more information on hostile work environments, you can refer to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website.

Hostile Work Environment FAQ