Workplace harassment is more than just an unpleasant experience—when it crosses the line into a hostile work environment, it’s a violation of your rights. If you are dealing with a hostile work environment in New Jersey, Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights in the workplace.
What Is a Hostile Work Environment?
A hostile work environment occurs when an employee is subjected to frequent, severe, and unwelcome behavior based on a protected characteristic (such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability) that makes it difficult to perform their job. This behavior may include offensive jokes, slurs, inappropriate comments, threats, or even physical acts.
Examples of Hostile Work Environment Behavior:
- Offensive jokes or comments related to race, gender, or other protected characteristics
- Harassment, such as unwanted sexual advances, touching, or verbal abuse
- Derogatory comments or insults based on your gender, sexual orientation, or other protected status
- Intimidating or bullying behavior that makes it difficult to work effectively
How Do You Know if You Have a Hostile Work Environment Claim?
If the behavior you are experiencing is frequent, severe, and creates an intimidating or offensive atmosphere, you may have a claim for a hostile work environment. The behavior must be based on a protected characteristic (e.g., race, gender, disability) and must significantly impact your ability to perform your job. It can also be harassment by a supervisor, coworker, or even a customer.
Your Legal Rights
Employees in New Jersey are protected from hostile work environments under state and federal laws:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, including hostile work environment harassment.
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Provides broader protections against discrimination and harassment in New Jersey workplaces, including protections for gender identity and sexual orientation.
What to Do If You’re Facing a Hostile Work Environment
- Document all incidents of harassment or discrimination, including dates, times, and details of the behavior.
- Report the harassment to your supervisor, HR, or the appropriate authority in your company.
- Keep track of any retaliatory actions, such as job reassignment, demotions, or termination, that may occur after reporting the issue.
- Consult an employment lawyer to understand your rights and how to proceed with a legal claim.
Legal Help for Hostile Work Environment Claims in NJ
Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys have the expertise to help employees who have faced a hostile work environment. They can help you understand your rights, file a formal complaint, and take legal action to ensure your work environment is free of harassment and discrimination.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney Today
If you are dealing with a hostile work environment, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and dignity at work.
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
