Constituents of Hostile Work Environment
1. Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or other protected characteristics can create a hostile environment. Examples include offensive jokes, derogatory comments, or unfair treatment based on these factors.
2. Harassment: Harassment involves unwelcome behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This can include verbal, physical, or visual harassment, such as inappropriate comments, gestures, or displays.
3. Bullying: Persistent bullying behaviour, including teasing, insults, or humiliation, can contribute to a hostile work environment. This behaviour often creates a feeling of powerlessness and fear in the targeted employee.
4. Retaliation: Retaliation occurs when an employer or coworkers treat an employee negatively in response to their protected actions, such as filing a complaint or participating in an investigation. Retaliation can contribute to a hostile environment by discouraging employees from asserting their rights.
5. Unfair Policies or Practices: Workplace policies or practices that are applied unfairly or inconsistently can contribute to a hostile environment. For example, if promotions, raises, or disciplinary actions are based on favouritism rather than merit, it can create tension and resentment.