Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Daniel Boyce

Workplace bullying is a serious problem that can create a hostile work environment. It can take many forms, such as verbal abuse, physical intimidation, and exclusion from activities or conversations.

Bullying in the workplace can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress for those affected. As awareness of workplace bullying increases, managers need to know how to deal with it.

44% of workers have experienced harassment at work. It is more likely for a lower-level employee to experience a hostile work environment than a senior-level employee.

The steps to a workplace environment turning hostile are; first, the workplace becomes toxic, the toxic environment will then become hostile, and for it to be considered a hostile work environment it has to be consistent. 

There are several steps that managers can take to address workplace bullying. First, they should be aware of the signs of bullying and be prepared to intervene when necessary.

They should also create an open dialogue with their employees so that any issues can be discussed openly and addressed quickly. Additionally, managers should ensure that all employees feel safe and respected in the workplace by implementing anti-bullying policies and procedures.

Finally, they should provide support for those who have been victims of bullying by providing counseling services or other resources as needed. By taking these steps, managers can help avoid creating a hostile work environment with bullying.

Difference Between Workplace Bullying And a Hostile Work Environment

Workplace bullying and hostile work environments are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings.

Workplace bullying is defined as any repeated or persistent behavior that is intended to intimidate, degrade, humiliate, or undermine another person in the workplace.

This can include verbal abuse, threats of physical violence, exclusion from activities or conversations, and other forms of psychological harassment.

On the other hand, a hostile work environment is a situation where an employee feels threatened or uncomfortable due to unwelcome conduct by their employer or coworkers.

This could be anything from sexual harassment to discrimination based on race, gender identity, religion, age, disability status, etc.

It’s important to note that while workplace bullying may contribute to a hostile work environment, it isn’t necessarily the same thing. A hostile work environment can exist even if there is no evidence of workplace bullying.

Employers need to take steps to prevent both workplace bullying and hostile work environments to ensure a safe and productive working environment for all employees.

Employers should create policies that clearly define unacceptable behaviors and provide clear consequences for those who violate them. They should also provide training sessions on how to recognize and address these issues when they arise.

What is Workplace Bullying?

Unfortunately, there are no state or federal laws that specifically address workplace bullying. This means that if you are a target of bullying at your job, you may not have many options available to you.

You could try filing for worker’s compensation or look for another place to work where you feel safe and respected. No one should have to endure this kind of treatment in their workplace; it is important to take steps to protect yourself from bullies and seek help if needed.

When Bullying Turns Hostile

Bullying in the workplace can be a serious issue that can have long-term consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. Bullying is defined as repeated, unwanted behavior that is intended to intimidate, degrade or humiliate another person.

Bullying can take the form of verbal or physical assaults, or exclusion from activities. It should be noted, however, that workplace harassment may sometimes be considered illegal under certain conditions, even though it may seem similar to bullying.

If you belong to a protected class (such as race, gender, religion, age, etc.) and have been exposed to any of these hostile working conditions, it is possible that you may be eligible to make a claim for a hostile work environment.

This means that your employer has created an atmosphere where it is difficult or impossible to do your job due to the presence of discrimination or harassment. In this situation, it is important to speak up and seek help from HR or other legal resources if necessary.

It is also important to document any incidents of bullying so that you can provide evidence if needed in the future. Taking action against bullying in the workplace will help ensure that everyone feels safe and respected at their job.

3 Recognizable Signs of a Hostile Work Environment Bullying

A hostile work environment is a workplace where employees feel threatened, intimidated, or harassed. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as bullying, discrimination, and unfair treatment.

Signs of a hostile work environment include fear, apprehension, and official complaints to HR about bullying or discrimination. Employees may also experience burnout symptoms due to the stress of the situation.

People may argue often and complain that they are underpaid or underappreciated. Other signs include absenteeism and job insecurity brought on by layoffs.

Employers need to recognize the signs of a hostile work environment to take action and create an atmosphere that is conducive to productivity and morale.

Employers should strive to create an open dialogue between employees and management so that any issues can be addressed before they become too serious.

Additionally, employers should ensure that their policies are clear and enforced consistently to prevent any form of harassment or discrimination from occurring in the workplace. By taking these steps, employers can help ensure that their workplace remains safe and productive for all employees.

1. The work environment turns toxic

A toxic work environment is a workplace that is characterized by negative behavior, such as bullying, gossip, exclusion, insults, and miscommunication. It can be difficult to recognize the signs of a toxic work environment because it doesn’t always mean you are in a hostile work environment.

However, if you are experiencing or witnessing any of these behaviors then your spidey senses should kick into gear. Toxic behavior can quickly slide into outwardly hostile behavior and create an atmosphere where employees feel uncomfortable and unappreciated.

It is important to take action if you find yourself in a toxic work environment. Speak up about the issues you are facing and try to resolve them with your colleagues or management team.

If the situation does not improve then it may be time to look for another job or speak to HR about the situation. A healthy workplace should be free from toxicity and hostility so that everyone can feel safe and respected while they do their job.

2. The toxic environment becomes hostile

Workplace hostility can take many forms, and it’s important to recognize the signs so that you can protect yourself and your colleagues. One of the most obvious signs is aggressive behavior.

This may look like bullying in the workplace and could include verbal abuse, rude comments, or hostile behavior, so it’s important to take action and report it if you feel unsafe or someone else is at risk.

It’s important to remember that workplace hostility doesn’t have to be physically aggressive for it to be a problem. If you’re seeing any kind of hostile behavior, whether it’s physical or not, it’s likely a sign of a hostile workplace environment.

If anyone’s safety is in danger, do whatever it takes to protect them. If not, record the incident and notify HR immediately in order for them to act accordingly.

3. Hostile environment is consistent

Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can have long-term consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. According to the EEOC, workplace harassment must be “consistent” and “pervasive” to be considered illegal.

A single instance, like a supervisor making an offensive comment to an employee, may not be considered legally as hostile behavior. To prove that it is in fact hostile behavior, it needs to be consistent and repeated over time.

If you are experiencing or witnessing workplace hostility, it is important to take thorough records of the incidents. This will help show that harassment is taking place and provide evidence if needed.

Additionally, reporting any incidents of workplace hostility to your supervisor or HR department can help ensure that appropriate action is taken and prevent further occurrences from happening.

What Should You Do if You Find Yourself in a Hostile Work Environment

If you find yourself in a hostile work environment, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. Document any incidents of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation, as well as any attempts you make to address the issue with your employer.

You may also want to consult an employment lawyer who can help you understand your rights and advise you on how best to proceed. Additionally, consider speaking with your HR department about the situation—they may be able to provide resources and support for dealing with the problem.

How to restore a hostile workplace

When it comes to fixing a hostile workplace, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every company must assess the situation and take appropriate action on a case-by-case basis.

If a hostile environment is created by a single person, then the obvious solution is to reprimand or even fire that person. However, this isn’t always possible if they are an executive or the best performer in the company.

In these cases, it may be necessary to speak to them directly about their behavior and try to find a resolution that works for everyone involved.

It’s also important to consider any other issues that could be contributing to the hostile environment. This could include things like poor communication between departments, lack of resources or support from management, or even underlying cultural issues within the organization.

Taking steps to address these issues can help create a more positive work environment and prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

Conclusion

Bullying, harassment, and a hostile work environment are all forms of discrimination that can have serious consequences for employers.

According to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers, managers, or supervisors are prohibited from taking discriminatory measures against workers due to their sex, religion, race, nationality, or skin color.

Businesses can be held responsible for the actions of their management and supervisory staff if they fail to address any discriminatory behavior in the workplace.

If any employee would find the bullying conducted at a workplace uncomfortable, antagonistic, or hostile and the job is contingent upon bearing it, then that would be considered unlawful harassment.

Examples and warning signs of bullying crossing over the threshold into discrimination and a hostile work environment include denying an employee access to resources, assignments, projects, or opportunities that are available to others.

Employers need to recognize these warning signs and take steps to address them before they become more serious issues.