What is a hostile work environment?
A hostile work environment makes employees feel intimidated and includes repeated instances of unwelcome conduct. Discriminatory actions and harassment, be it mental, physical, or sexual, are two primary characteristics of a hostile work environment.Harassment, partiality, victimization, violence, and other inappropriate behaviours are all categorized under unwelcome conduct and lead to a hostile work environment.Not to be confused with:
Not to be confused with:
What can you do to tackle a hostile work environment?
1. Communication and confrontationConfrontation is the best way to set a hostile work environment right. If despite confrontation, the perpetrator is unwilling to mend their ways, it's best to talk to their supervisor. If a CEO is a perpetrator, speak to them and show them how a hostility-free workplace is in the business's best interest; put into perspective employee turnover rates and associated costs. Confrontation and open communication are the best ways to initiate a course of action that will ensure a shift towards a healthy work environment.2. Fix the cultureIntroduce a company policy that focuses on the mitigation of undesirable elements. Make sure all your employees and the perpetrators are aware of the disciplinary action that will follow in case hostile behaviour continues or is highlighted in the future. Lay out the rules very clearly and ensure that everyone in the organization is aware of what qualifies as favourable and unfavourable behaviour.3. Increase awarenessInitiate communication with senior officials and employees. Make them aware of what counts as hostile behaviour and ask them to report cases of abuse of power and hostility whenever they see or face it.