Unfortunately, hostile and toxic workplace environments are a lot more common than we could ever imagine. Employees endure discrimination and harassment, are underpaid and are often overworked within these environments. In some cases, hostile work environments are also home to illegal activity.
If you are working in a hostile environment, you must take specific, actionable steps to rectify the workplace and seek compensation for the impacts these environments have on mental health and wellbeing.
Collect Evidence
Before you can take any steps forward in seeking justice, you must compile a case. It’s essential to collect as much valid evidence as possible surrounding the offenses. This essential evidence can be in the form of videos, photos, text, or email messages. Voice recordings are also valuable.
In addition to this, start recording the offenses as well. Create a journal that details each violation and its impacts.
File An Internal Report
Once you have enough evidence to back up your claims, file a report internally with the company’s HR department or upper management, the company will have protocols in place for employees to bring grievances to light. And these grievances must be dealt with in a way that compliments employee rights and labor laws.
It’s essential to report the offenses internally before seeking legal counsel. In some cases, action is taken by the company to improve the workplace environment.
Consult An Employee Lawyer
On the other hand, if you file a report that details the hostile environment and the company does not enforce positive change, you must consult an employment lawyer.
An expert employment lawyer will guide you through the process of claiming from your employer and enforcing change in the workplace. At this point, you might be concerned that your employer will retaliate. But it’s essential to keep in mind that termination based on retaliation is against federal law, and there are attorneys to appeal against unemployment decisions of this kind. So, your employer will need to compensate you for such a lousy decision, and your lawyer will enforce the consequences accordingly.
Seek Alternative Employment
Hostile work environments have a massively negative impact on employee motivation, mental health, and productivity. In some cases, these environments leave employees fighting severe depression, paralyzing anxiety, and other mental health struggles.
While it’s essential to report the situation and seek legal counsel, it’s also vital to prioritize your mental wellbeing by seeking alternative employment. There are tons of lucrative and exciting opportunities out there, whether you are a creative or a tech professional.
Don’t Take The Experience To Heart
It’s hard to endure discrimination, harassment, sexual advances, and even bullying at work and return home unscathed. As a result, it’s essential to understand that the behavior of your coworkers or management is not your fault, and for this reason, you shouldn’t take the experience to heart.
Speak out about the hostility and rely on your support group. Speaking to friends and family is often a positive decision that will help you release the emotional burden and protect your mental wellbeing.
Coping in a hostile work environment is complex and draining. And because there are channels available to you as an employee, you must take action to lend a hand towards abolishing toxic work culture for good.
