Labor/Employment
Oct. 6, 2025
Think it's a hostile work environment? The law might disagree
Many workers believe they're in a hostile work environment, but unless mistreatment is tied to a legally protected trait, the law often doesn't consider it unlawful.
James J. McDonald Jr.
Partner, Irvine
Fisher & Phillips LLP
Phone: (949) 851-2424
Email: jmcdonald@laborlawyers.com
James is author of "California Employment Law: An Employer's Guide."
"It's a hostile working environment!" is a complaint employers often hear today. Often what is being described is a demanding or unpleasant boss, rude or gossipy coworkers, a difficult customer or the pressure of meeting deadlines or production quotas. Many employees who claim to work in a hostile environment think they have the basis for a lawsuit against their employer. Typically, they do not. Most of the time, what an employee considers a hostile working environment...
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$795 for an entire year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In