A hostile work environment can prove to be very toxic for your work and mental health. It is a violation of the law and is also counted as a source of harassment.

At any workplace, if the boss or the manager starts conducting abusive protocols such as discrimination or harassment, it is called a hostile work environment.

This hostile attitude has a significantly negative impact not only at the workplace but also on the victim’s abilities.

Are you wondering if you are working in a hostile environment?

Read ahead to clarify your queries about working in a hostile work environment and what you should be doing about it.

What Does the Hostile Work Environment Mean?

When the co-workers or supervisors start targeting you based on your cast, color, or creed in a discriminatory manner, that’s the first queue to an unsafe or hostile work environment.

This may disrupt your quality of work or hinder your career progress.

Other than this, if this conduct has been long-lasting and pervasive and a reasonable person finds the work environment as verbally abusive, this is also called a hostile work environment.

In this case, the one bullying is conscious of their conduct but continues with their behavior making it uncomfortable for the victim to work freely.

Misconceptions

Many people have the wrong concept of what is a hostile work environment. Sure your boss might have screamed at you or used some hard words when he/she didn’t get the work done right, but that does not count as a hostile work environment.

However, if the boss screams or only humiliates the employees of color and that too constantly, this is counted as a hostile work environment.

It must target a certain protected class. If it doesn’t, then it does not violate the law, and no legal action can be taken against it.

Behavior that makes it hard for you to do a job can be claimed as an act of hostility. However, it must pertain to a certain class, for instance, only the women employees being sexually harassed can be reported.

“Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.”

—  William James

What Behaviors Are Considered Criteria for a Hostile Work Environment?

An action, behavior, decision or communication which is discriminatory in nature is a criterion of a hostile work environment.

This could be coming for a vendor, supervisor, co-worker, or any person who works in the same workplace as you. Here are some behaviors which contribute to a toxic environment at work.

1. It is discriminatory in nature

According to the law, all employees are protected for color, gender, nationality, religion, and origin.

If there is discrimination against the physically weak or differently-abled, use worker’s compensation or take medical leaves, it counts as a criterion for hostility. This also evokes an unhealthy work environment.

2. The act is pervasive in nature

In such cases, a single event has a long-lasting impact on a group of employees, thus creating a hostile environment.

It should not be limited to a single remark which is off-color that you or a co-worker finds annoying. If interventions are needed, these incidents should be reported to HR immediately.

3. Severe

Objectively severe work environments create hostility and require legal action. The actions, behaviors, and language need to be so provocative that it disturbs the pace of work, and hurts the worker’s work performance.

Such severe behaviors might become an obstacle in an employee’s progressive work career. This includes the affected employees working under stress, calling in often for sick leave, and completely avoiding the hostile work environment.

The law does not protect isolated incidents, minor teasing, or blunt comments.

4. Unwelcoming

The hostile actions being executed by the bully, misconduct, sexual harassment, or un-approved behavior must be unwelcomed by the victim.

There should be solid proof that the victim took a stand and launched a complaint to the HR or the person in authority at the workplace.

This is a fail-safe sign that inappropriate behavior is unacceptable by you, and it was brought into notice.

What Are Some Examples of a Hostile Work Environment?

1. Sexual harassment

Your co-worker or boss who talks loudly leans over your desk to speak to you or snaps their gum is counted as an obnoxious and inappropriate behavior.

This, however, does not contribute to a hostile work environment. If that co-worker makes explicit jokes, sends pictures with nudity, or touches you inappropriately, it creates a hostile work environment.

You should report the act of sexual harassment.

2. Verbally berating

A supervisor, co-worker, or boss who criticizes you on the basis of gender, religion, age, or race is also responsible for creating a hostile environment.

The comments can be casual, played as a joke or said now and then with a smile is also counted as hostile, and there is no plea for it.

3. The problem is not addressed

The in-appropriate conduct gradually becomes pervasive and significant when it completely overtakes the victim’s mind and affects the work.

Still, it is not properly addressed by the HR, and no action is taken against it. The organization is unable to make the misconduct stopped. This is regarded as hostile work environment cases.

4. Social media shaming

Hostile attitudes also include using Facebook to set up pages against an employer which are discriminative in nature. Posting inappropriate photos without the permission of a colleague and making negative remarks about it. Sending chats or including chats, which are of explicit nature to a certain employee-only or a group of co-workers.

Humiliation and harassment did online or offline should be dealt with in the same way.

“There are some people who always seem angry and continuously look for conflict. Walk away from these people. The battle they’re are fighting isn’t with you, it’s with themselves.”

— Rashida Rowe

How Do You Prove a Hostile Work Environment?

Firstly, recognize the examples of what makes a work environment hostile. It may be intimidating, abusive and harassing in a certain way.

Gather evidence and preserve any communication you had with HR regarding this abusive behavior.

Show how your issue has been pervasive and threatening to your work progress. Keep your applications filed so that you have evidence that it was approved by top management, but no action was taken.

Dealing with a hostile environment 

1. Report to HR

The first and foremost step is to report to the HR or the authoritative body at your workplace. Any sort of persistent and offensive retaliation at the workplace is illegal. Your employee must have a chance to investigate and resolve the issue.

Bringing the issue in light of the employer is also important because it can be counted as a solid claim that you were being harassed and that you did get it recorded. This record also shows the frequency and persistence of the problem.

Document your complaints, explicit conversations, and other harassment incidents. Identify the witnesses and save performance reviews, which show the impact a harassment incident had on your work progress.

2. Take legal action if HR won’t listen to you

If your HR is not taking action, it is time to report to administrative agencies! Report the hostile work environment to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

If your employer is covered, you can use the EE0C assessment tool to understand which agency you can launch a complaint with.

You can also hire an employment lawyer and file a lawsuit against the co-workers or the boss who has been misconducting.

Fight for the relief you deserve! An employment lawyer can file a lawsuit for you, assist you in gathering the evidence, filing your claim, and getting your legally protected rights.

How Can Leaders Know If Their Company Has a Hostile Work Environment?

The leader of an organization must have clear cut policies on what is acceptable and not acceptable at the workplace.

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the employer to keep a watch out on every employee as to how they are behaving and feeling at their workplace.

Company leaders must conduct anonymous surveys so that honest answers without any pressure can be received.

Social media monitoring can also be put into action. Many larger companies keep track of their employer’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Tools like Sprout Social and Brandwatch have proven effective in keeping the evil away track of what the employees are saying about the co-workers or company they work at. 

This is a rather smarter way to make sure employees feel safe and progressive at their workplace.

Final Word

No one deserves to be treated unjustly. It is not your fault if you don’t match up to specific criteria set by a group of people.

You don’t need to be a constant victim of verbal or sexual harassment. Offensive harassment in the workplace is illegal and strict action must be taken against it.

Happiness, job satisfaction, and having a productive mindset is every employee’s right. If you find out that you have been working in a hostile environment, nip it in the bud!

Report and file a lawsuit! Your mental health is important.

Every job seeker who is applying for a job that includes background screening has two major queries.

a) What is a background check?

b) How long does it take?

If you are also finding the answers to these questions, then you are in the right place.

Answers

a) Background check means the screening process the employer undertakes to check whether your application is true or not, whether you will be a liability or an asset to the institution, and whether you are suitable for the job.

b) The second question is a blend of numerous small doubts. Let’s clear all the doubts one by one.

How Long Do Pre Employment Background Checks Take?

Generally, the duration of a pre-employment screening ranges from 2 to 5 business days. However, the length depends on specific factors such as the institution and position for which a person has applied. For example, FBI background check lasts for almost 30 days.

What Are They Looking for in a Background Check?

If you have applied for a job, you might be wondering What shows up on a background check? What are the factors that will affect your background screening? Don’t worry! We will clear all your doubts here. 

A Survey from Indeed States There Are Three Main Aspects Included in a Background Screening.

1. Identity

In the background screening, the employer will go through your application and check if you are the person who you claim to be. Identity check is the first step taken in the majority pre-employment background investigation.

2. Criminal record

Every employment screening involves a criminal record check. Through this, the employer makes sure that you won’t bring a bad name to the institution. Your past criminal and court records have a significant influence on the final decision- whether you will be hired. The majority of the institutions tend to hire applicants with clean criminal records.

3. Employment history

These checks aim to test whether you are suitable for the applied job or not. Checking your employment history provides an insight into your work experience and capabilities. Your previous jobs, references from your past employers, and your previous positions are all included in your employment history check.

Along with this education, professional qualification and credit history are some critical elements checked while conducting a background screening. 

Why Is Your Background Check Taking So Long?

1. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard from your employer yet. Probably your check is taking so long because one of the following obstructions has caused a delay- If you have provided incomplete information in the form, then delay is inevitable. For example, if you wrote your nickname instead of your official name.

2. The process involves contacting with education institutions and past employers. If the sources do not return calls on time there could be a delay.

3. In background screening, public records are also checked. The government institutions have certain timelines. And some institution still maintains files and archive. These restrictions could cause a delay.

4. Legal restrictions also cause a delay. The duration of the pre-employment investigation varies from state to state due to the difference in legal complications.

5. Many other uncertain reasons can make you wait longer. For example, bad weather can stop the employer from reaching out to the sources.

How To Speed up Checks?

1. Submit your application in time and ensure you submit before the holiday season to avoid delay.

2. Always be available for your employer and provide him with all the necessary information. Your quick and complete response will help in speeding up the process.

3. Reach out to the sources and make sure they reply promptly to your employer.

“Your background has a lot to do with your approach to movement.” — Cholly Atkins

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I worry about a background check?

If you were honest in your application, the answer is no. The purpose of background screening is to check if your application is honest or not. The employer wants to check whether you will be an asset or a liability for the institution. If you have a clean criminal record, impressive employment history, and fine credit history, there is nothing to worry about.

2. How can I pass a background check?

Before applying for the job, go and perform a background investigation on yourself. Verify your legal records and know beforehand what your employer will find out. Once you know your position you can truthfully fill your application and address all the problems in advance. The key to passing this is to keep your background clean. It is not an examination that you can pass by preparing overnight. You build your experience as you grow. For now, just fill your application honestly.

3. How do I know if I passed my background check?

The employer islegally bound to inform you if you passed or failed your background test. Once you pass the check you will be notified by the employer. If the background screening takes place as the last stage of hiring then you will know that you passed when you are hired.

4. Does a background check mean I have the job?

Not necessarily. The answer to this question varies from intuition to institution and employer to employer. If the employer considers this the last step in the hiring process then yes, passing the background test will imply that they will hire you. But some institutions have stages after a background investigation and before hiring you.

5. What will make you fail a background check?

Providing wrong information in the job application increases the chances of failure. Your identity, criminal record, education history, and employment history will all be checked during the background screening. And the higher number of black spots found in your background the greater are the chances of failure. No institution wants to hire a liability or a bad name. If the information provided by you turns out to be false or your criminal record is not satisfying then you can fail the check. Some employers consider the screening successful only when all the elements investigated are satisfactory.

“Don’t worry about your background, whether it’s odd or ordinary, use it, build on it.” — Gloria Steinem     

6. Why is my background check still pending for a job?

Many factors can be responsible for this delay. Maybe your past employer or educational institute hasn’t replied to your employer. May be due to bad weather conditions the background screening has paused. May be due to incomplete information; the employer is not able to verify your information in time. 

7. What happens if you fail a background check?

A failure in the background investigation could lead to disqualification. The employers tend to reject the candidates whose background screening reveals falsified information. Failure in this leaves a bad impression on your employer and reduces your chances of being hired to negligible. If you fail in a background check, it means you are not in the running anymore.

8. What if my background check is wrong?

If you find any error in your background check, you can take measures to correct them. As suggested by flexjobs- once you get your copy of the check thoroughly examine and point out the errors. The next step is to track the source of that error. If there is a criminal error you can approach the state bureau of identification for rectifying the mistake. If there is an error then you have to step up and correct it.

9. What does Level 1 mean on the background check?

Level 1 implies the basic background check. The majority of employers stop background screening at this level. As described by private eye background checks- in level 1, the screening is limited to the territories of the state in which you are currently living. Level 1 includes identity, state criminal record, employment history, and other essential information.

Conclusion

Now the majority of your doubts regarding the background check must be cleared. You know the meaning and duration of an employment background investigation. You know how to pass and speed up your background screening. You are aware of the consequences if you fail the check and the steps you can take to rectify errors in it. If you honestly fill your application then you have nothing to worry about. Inform the employer about the black spots in your background beforehand, and ensure that he trusts you as an asset for his institute. If you are a hard-working and honest candidate then the background investigation is just a formality and you don’t need to stress about it.