While most companies should have clearly defined policies in place to deal with instances of workplace hostility, coping in a harsh employment environment is often a lot more challenging than merely following policy guidelines.
Unfortunately, hostile workplaces remain a prominent issue among employees in almost every industry, despite workers making tremendous strides in fighting for fair working conditions.
As a result, you might be experiencing hostility in your workplace. So, we’ve gathered some of the most helpful tips out there to help you survive a toxic work environment.
Find An Experienced Employment Lawyer
You might feel reluctant to consult an employment lawyer at first. You might be worried that you’ll either waste your money or make your employment challenges even more challenging.
However, the right employment lawyer can guide you through the steps of dealing with workplace hostility while safeguarding your employment status and your reputation as a professional. Contact HKM law firm to find an experienced employment attorney before the situation at work escalates.
Have Allies
It’s beneficial to have allies at work that can validate your claims with witness statements. So, it’s wise to form allies with other employees who are enduring the same toxic workplace challenges as yourself.
However, if you are not able to find allies in colleagues, it’s still vital to take a stand against workplace hostility.
Create An Exit Plan
Even though an experienced lawyer can help you protect your employment status, it’s often best to leave toxic workplaces as soon as possible. Whether you’re a software developer or any other kind of professional, it’s worthwhile to seek greener pastures.
While contacting an employment lawyer is the best way to protect your career path, you should still create an exit plan while you wait for your attorney to build a case.
But when searching for a new job, it’s important to avoid disclosing too much information during interviews. Avoid speaking negatively about your current employer and rather say that you are simply looking to grow as a professional in your field of work.
Gather Evidence
Whether you are experiencing workplace hostility in racial discrimination, threatening or intimidating behaviors, or any other, it’s crucial to have valid evidence to prove your case.
Suitable evidence of workplace hostility includes emails, text messages, phone calls, video or voice recordings, photographs, and witness statements. This evidence will help your attorney build a strong case.
Follow Workplace Policies
Whether you opt for legal protection or not, you will still need to follow any workplace policies regarding workplace hostility. It’s crucial to report instances of hostility to upper management or HR before filing any lawsuits with the help of a lawyer.
In some cases, following workplace procedures can put an end to workplace hostility. But when perpetrators include managers, supervisors, and employers, it can be challenging to report conflicts. This is when it’s essential to consult an employment lawyer.
Workplace hostility is a widespread problem for professionals of all kinds. And while you might feel reluctant to take a stand against toxic work environments, it’s crucial to report instances of hostility to help end toxic work cultures that fuel these environments.
