A 'Hostile Working Environment' -- What It Is and What It Is Not | Sessions
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Mega Session
A 'Hostile Working Environment' -- What It Is and What It Is Not
In-Person and Virtual
Wednesday 06/14/2023 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
Competencies: Interpersonal (Behavioral), Workplace (Technical)
| Intended Audience: Mid-Level
Workplace Application:
This presentation will teach HR professionals how to identify complaints that describe a 'hostile working environment' and those that do not.
Employees frequently complain about a 'hostile working environment.' The term has specific legal meaning that is much narrower than is typically thought. It does not ordinarily cover demanding or unpleasant bosses, rude or gossipy co-workers, or hot-tempered customers. To the contrary, it requires conduct that meets certain legal standards and is tied to a protected classification such as age, sex or race. HR professionals must know how to distinguish between complaints of a hostile working environment that potentially involve unlawful conduct and require a thorough investigation, and those that merely describe the ordinary stresses of the work day. This presentation will highlight the difference.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn the legal meaning of the term 'hostile working environment.'
- Learn how to distinguish between complaints of a hostile environment that require a full investigation and those that do not.
- Learn how to address complaints that do not involve unlawful conduct or violations of company policy.
