Hostile Work Environment In Illinois
My office gets many calls from employees who believe they are working in a hostile work environment and need advice. In Illinois the hostile work environment needs to be based on a protected category. Another words if the boss is just a jerk or a loud mouth and isn't discriminating based on a protected category, there is no protection. On the other hand if you are the victim of sexual harassment, or being discriminated against based on race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, marital status, veteran status, or citizen status, and you believe a hostile work environment exists as a result, you have protection.
The important things to do are first follow your company policy on reporting discrimination which will include reporting it to human resources or other management. Second, cooperate with any investigation. Third, speak with an attorney to make sure your rights are protected. Depending on what the company does will affect your next steps. In all cases however make sure you continue to come to work on time, be a good employee and do your job. Don't give the company a legitimate reason to fire you.
