Does this meet the criteria of a hostile workplace?

Anonymous

November 15,2023 at 5:01AM UTC

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Does this meet the criteria of a hostile workplace?

The VP in our organization and two managers who report to her are bullies. We’ve lost four employees in the last 6 months and others are looking, including me. No one wants to speak up in meetings. In one meeting, one manager described our work and minimized our team as “making other’s work pretty.” We are enablement and comms. After that, I stopped speaking in meetings she attends.

My boss has brought me to tears more than once. Several of us have trouble sleeping. We dread meetings and messages. We’re made to feel guilty for asking others for help. I don’t feel that I am trusted to do my job. I wonder if they want me to leave.

If bullying and demeaning behavior is consistent and widespread, does that meet the standard of a hostile environment?

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AnonymousNovember 15,2023 at 1:28PM UTC
I think firstly you need to confirm what your state recognizes and allows for .
AnonymousNovember 15,2023 at 2:38PM UTC
I didn’t realize that made a difference. We are all in different states, but our company’s headquarters is in California.
AnonymousNovember 15,2023 at 5:58PM UTC
There are no standards in hostile workplace, check with your local lawyer referral service and sit down with an attorney for a one hour consult to discuss what you are dealing with, provide any written or taped evidence of things and if there are others who are complicit bring that up. A good lawyer will guide you using your employee handbook and any details you have to see if you have a good case of any case at all, if you don't you can only find a new role or tough it out there with your head down which is not a good option.
Terrie McWhorterNovember 15,2023 at 7:51PM UTC
Bullying IS a form of hostile environment. When you talk to her (if she says something) look right at her infront of God and everybody and say, "Wow that is a very hostile response to my simple request." "I feel as if you are bullying me." then document it and take it up the chain. She has to be called out. Otherwise, there will be no change.
AnonymousNovember 16,2023 at 9:20PM UTC
The change could be retaliation! In my prior workplace, it turned out that disrespect for the low-level employees was a feature, not a bug, and taking a complaint up the chain resulted in me being let go.
AnonymousNovember 15,2023 at 10:22PM UTC
If you live in the U.S., this is not illegal unless there are very specific circumstances.
AnonymousNovember 16,2023 at 1:05AM UTC
I'm with you I work in transportation and my boss belittles women there's more guys that work for a company than girls but my boss has been called out numerous times and how he treats people and talks to people yet they do nothing about it and my one supervisor said they probably never will so it's probably one of those situations where they would get rid of me before they would get rid of the person creating the toxic environment so I will just keep my mouth shut
AnonymousNovember 16,2023 at 4:06AM UTC
I'm in transportation too; I've never worked in an industry before where so many women are mistreated and abused, even by other women.
AnonymousNovember 17,2023 at 3:37AM UTC
Thanks for all of the comments. I didn’t know if it made a difference if several people all experienced the same bullying behavior. I do have evidence in writing.Typically I would just find another job, but I am 59. I dread looking for a new job at my age. I just want to do my job without conflict.
Cindy GloverNovember 17,2023 at 11:05PM UTC
Agreed - Even though it’s completely wrong on so many levels- it’s just as hard to prove it.
I just left a company I put 2 solid years of my time, energy and so much of my heart. 7:30am - 8:00pm or more - only to look at the boss (owner) and tell him he didn’t deserve me, my integrity or dedication and out the door I went. It’s been about 5 weeks now and I’ve finally got out of bed - walking to the park and feeling better. I’ll find a new job when the time is right but they’ll not find another me - damn skippy
Ava WestNovember 19,2023 at 1:24AM UTC
The burden of proof is on you and hostile work environment is usually defined as sexual or discriminatory jokes directed at a protected class.
If you can prove constructive discharge (meaning you can prove you are receiving adverse treatment disguised to make any person want to quit) you might have a case.
AnonymousNovember 23,2023 at 1:54AM UTC
You didn’t share exact details, so I can’t assume a solid answer. I encourage you to determine if the unethical hostility is unlawful. Consult an attorney immediately.
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