How to Survive in a Hostile Working Environment

The workplace doesn't have to be stressful.

Hostile working environments are identified by a company's inability to structure the environment so that employees feel appreciated, are treated fairly, have updated policies and procedures that are being used properly, and function under a code of ethics. These organizations also do not discipline employees who violate the policies, or reward employees who deserve to be rewarded. Unfortunately many people who are stuck in these types of environments don't have an option to simply quit. But many forms of hostile work environments can be survived -- at least, for awhile.

Instructions

1. Develop positive working relations with your co-workers by going out to lunch or networking with other employees.

2. In a comfortable setting outside of the workplace, talk with some of your co-workers about the problems or issues that arise at work. This allows some of the workers including yourself to have an opportunity to vent and discuss their feelings in a relaxed environment without feeling threatened.

3. If you find that a number of individuals are feeling the same way that you do about the unfair treatment at work, get together and consider taking action as a group to address the issues.

4. Get a copy of the company's policies. As a group meet outside the workplace to go over the policies that are being violated or policies that are not in existence.

5. Prepare a letter to the human resources department explaining how the policies were not followed and list examples and dates of situations in which hostile or unfair treatment occurred. Let the human resources department know that you, along with several others listed on the letter, are submitting the formal complaint in an effort to resolve the matters. State on the letter the time frame in which you would like to have HR respond to the complaint. Have each of the individuals with the complaint sign the letter along with yourself.

6. If the hostile behavior and actions still continue to occur, continue documenting each incident while you wait for the HR department to respond. If the human resources department doesn't respond, then each individual with a complaint should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), particularly if your complaints have to do with gender, race or age discrimination or hostility. Follow through the steps of the EEOC and visit their website to get a better understanding of your rights.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have complete allies who are open and willing to address the issues.

• If you are aware of any unlawful actions that your organization has done, please notify the HR department and if no actions are taken or negative actions are taken against you, contact an attorney to pursue a lawsuit under the Whistle Blowers Act.

• Note that an organization cannot retaliate against you for making a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

• If you are a union employee, please report information to your union and follow guidelines in accordance with your union contract by filing a grievance.

• If employees are continually being treated unfairly in a nonunion environment, employees may want to consider forming a union.

• Do not try to address the issues alone with your company HR department. It could lead to getting blackballed by the company or, in some cases, fired in states that have "at-will" employment laws. Companies are less likely to fire a group of individuals.

• Do not force anyone to write a complaint letter or sign their name on the complaint letter if they are unwilling or afraid to do so.

References

• FindLaw: How Much Is Enough? Difficulties Defining "Hostile Work Environment" In Title VII Harassment Claims