From Florida to California, there are companies that allow a hostile workplace to become the norm. As a result, a variety of issues soon come to the forefront. While some may not be serious, others can lead to a lawsuit or multiple employees seeking other employment.
Nobody wants to deal with a hostile workplace, but if you find yourself in this position there are things you can do to better your situation.
First and foremost, there is nothing wrong with addressing the issue with the offender. Sometimes, all it takes is an open line of communication to shut the other person down. Once they know you are going to stand up for yourself, they will go away.
In the event that speaking with the other party does not work, it is time to communicate your thoughts to your management team and HR department. Let them know exactly what happened and what the remedy will be.
In the event that the HR department is no help, you may need to move to a higher management level, such as the owner in a small business.
The easiest way to get away from a hostile workplace is to leave the company once and for all. This sounds simple, but at the same time you may not want to give up your job for one reason or another, such as the convenience or pay.
A hostile workplace can put workers on edge, which leads to issues with productivity. If individuals do not get any satisfaction from their company, they may need to speak with an attorney about their legal rights.
Source: Careerealism, “How To Handle A Hostile Work Environment” accessed Feb. 04, 2015
