A 'Hostile Working Environment' -- What It Is, and What It Is Not | Sessions

Search Schedule

Concurrent Session, ENX CHRO, ENX HR Leaders, ENX Mid-Market
A 'Hostile Working Environment' -- What It Is, and What It Is Not
In-Person and Virtual Monday 06/24/2024 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM   Add to calendar

Competencies: Interpersonal (Behavioral), Leadership (Behavioral), Workplace (Technical) | Intended Audience: Mid-Level
Workplace Application:
This presentation will teach HR professionals how to distinguish between complaints of 'hostile working environment' that require an investigation and those that do not. 

Seating Instructions: Seating is first-come, first-served. Reserved seating options are available for accessibility and accommodations. For detailed accessibility information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.

Employees frequently complain about a 'hostile working environment.'  The term has specific legal meaning that is much more narrow than most employees think, however. It does not ordinarily cover demanding or unpleasant bosses, legitimate discipline, 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 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.



Direct Link to Session Materials: If the speaker provides session materials, you can access them via the app, web format or at https://presentations.shrm.org/.

Live Streaming and Recording: Unless marked 'in person only,' all sessions are live-streamed on the app or web format and available for replay 30 days after the event.

Acknowledgment of Technical Issues: While rare, technical issues may occur during sessions. We appreciate your patience as we quickly address them.

Accessibility & Accommodations Information: For detailed accessibility & accommodations information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.

James J. McDonald, Jr., J.D., SHRM-SCP Photo
Presenter:
James J. McDonald, Jr., J.D., SHRM-SCP, Partner,
Fisher & Phillips, LLP