A hostile work environment occurs when workplace harassment makes it difficult or impossible for employees to do their job. While many associate harassment with sexual misconduct, harassment can also stem from race, national origin, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. Legal action may be an option if you’re facing a hostile work environment.
What Qualifies as a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile workplace goes beyond general rudeness or annoying behavior. To pursue legal action, harassment must involve severe or pervasive conduct that interferes with your ability to work. Examples include:
- Derogatory name-calling
- Inappropriate jokes
- Racial or ethnic slurs
- Threats or intimidation
- Mocking a disability, religion, or gender identity
Even a single severe incident may be enough to establish a hostile work environment.
Illinois Laws Protect Employees from Workplace Harassment
Under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), workplace harassment is illegal when based on:
✔ Race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry
✔ Sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity
✔ Age (40+), marital status, military status
✔ Physical or mental disability, conviction record
✔ Order of protection status
Who can be held accountable?
Supervisors, coworkers, contractors, or vendors may engage in harassment. If your employer knew about the harassment and failed to act, you may qualify for compensation, including punitive damages.
How to Prove a Hostile Work Environment & Build Your Case
Our attorneys can help you by:
✅ Collecting emails, texts, phone messages, and social media posts
✅ Interviewing witnesses and former employees
✅ Negotiating a fair settlement with your employer
✅ Filing a lawsuit if necessary
What should you do if you experience a Hostile work environment?
- Keep thorough records. Document the dates, times, places, and details of the actions, along with any witnesses, evidence, or communication that support your claim. Retain copies of your employment contract, policies, handbooks, performance reviews, pay stubs, and other documents that outline your work history and achievements. If the actions occurred by email or text, print a copy.
- Report the hostile work environment. Notify a supervisor or human resources department about the discrimination and request immediate action. Follow your employer’s policies and procedures for reporting and resolving complaints and keep copies of any written or verbal responses you receive.
- Seek legal advice. If your employer fails to address or resolve the discrimination, contact an attorney at 1818 for assistance filing a formal discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).
At 1818, we are dedicated to protecting individuals from a hostile work environment and fighting for employee rights. Contact us today for a consultation if you have faced wrongful termination, workplace retaliation, or discrimination because of your whistleblower actions.
Call us now to protect your rights and hold your employer accountable!
