The Ultimate Guide to Hostile Work Environment and Harassment Law

📚A hostile work environment is an unlawful employment practice where an employer harasses an employee based on a protected characteristic.

💼Examples of protected characteristics include race, religion, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation.

📝If you're facing harassment, send a polite and helpful written complaint to the appropriate authority at your company.

📆The statutes of limitations require you to file your hostile work environment claim within one year of the last act of harassment.

💰The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity and pervasiveness of the harassment, and whether you were fired or quit your job.

What is a hostile work environment?

—A hostile work environment is when an employer harasses an employee based on a protected characteristic, creating an abusive working environment.

What are protected characteristics?

—Protected characteristics are attributes such as race, religion, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation, which are protected by anti-harassment laws.

How should I handle harassment at work?

—If you're still employed, send a written complaint to the appropriate authority at your company. If you're no longer employed, consult with a lawyer about your options.

What are the deadlines for filing a hostile work environment claim?

—In California, you have one year from the last act of harassment to file a claim with the DFEH, and one year after receiving a Right to Sue letter to file a lawsuit.

How much is my hostile work environment case worth?

—The value of your case depends on various factors, including the severity and pervasiveness of the harassment, and whether you were fired or quit your job.

00:00This video is the ultimate guide to hostile work environment and harassment law, providing insights into workplace harassment and important legal considerations.

02:00In California, the main anti-harassment law is California Government Code Section 12940, which prohibits harassment based on a protected characteristic.

04:30Protected characteristics include race, religion, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation, among others.

07:30To handle harassment at work, send a written complaint to the appropriate authority at your company and consider consulting with a lawyer for further advice.

09:00Statutes of limitations require you to file your hostile work environment claim within one year of the last act of harassment.

12:30The value of your hostile work environment case depends on various factors, including the severity and pervasiveness of the harassment, and whether you were fired or quit your job.