How to File a Hostile Work Environment Complaint

Stress from a hostile work environment can be difficult to handle.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines the creation of a hostile workplace environment as a form of harassment or discrimination. In cases of sexual harassment, harassment may include unwanted touching, offensive jokes and comments, or demand for favors in exchange for promotions or other compensation. A work environment can also be discriminatory if comments, displays, or jokes are offered that are meant to be offensive to a worker based on his race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity. A hostile work environment is further defined as interfering with the employee's ability to perform his job in a reasonable manner.

Instructions

1. Assemble as much data supporting your complaint as possible. During the complaint process, you will be asked to provide the company's name, address, and phone number and how many people are employed by the company. You will also be asked to briefly describe the events, the dates the events occurred and the contact information for possible witnesses.

2. Verify that the time limit for filing your complaint has not expired. You can do this at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's website. Most complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged violation, but if state or local laws also cover the violation, the time limit might be extended to 300 days.

3. Complete the EEOC online assessment to determine if the commission has jurisdiction over the company and type of complaint you wish to file.

4. If the EEOC is the appropriate agency, print a copy of the online assessment.

5. Find the contact information for your local EEOC office at the agency's website. Call the local office to make an appointment to file your complaint in person or to receive instructions on filing by mail.

Tips & Warnings

• If the EEOC does not have jurisdiction, you may still be able to file a complaint with your state's labor relations board or file a civil lawsuit against your employer.

• The guilty party does not have to be a member of management. Peers can also be held responsible for creating a hostile work environment.

• Government agencies have established procedures for filing in-house complaints. If you work for a government agency, consult your employee manual for the policy specific to your agency.

References

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Policy Guidance on Employer Liability for Sexual Favoritism
• Federal Communications Commission: Understanding Workplace Harassment
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Filing a Charge of Discrimination
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: EEOC Assessment System
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Filing a Charge with This Office

Resources

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: EEOC Office List and Jurisdictional Map
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: EEOC Assessment System
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Time Limits for Filing a Charge