Ask Yourself These Questions When You Encounter Inappropriate Talk at Work
Inappropriate talk at work can lead to an unpleasant and hostile environment and, in some cases, prompt the victim to take legal action with the assistance of an employment attorney. While an employment attorney will be a definite asset to you if you're in a situation in which legal action is appropriate, you should always attempt to assess whether you have grounds for a case. You want to stand up for your rights as an employee, but you also don't want to cause unnecessary trouble at work if there's no reason to do so. Here are some questions that you should ponder when you encounter inappropriate talk at work.
Is the Talk Ongoing?
When someone at work says something inappropriate, it may be a difficult and unpleasant situation—but not necessarily one that falls under the definition of a hostile work environment. Asking yourself if the inappropriate talk is ongoing can be helpful. For example, if a colleague were to blurt out something rude, it may be a regrettable decision. However, unless he or she is saying objectionable content on a repeated basis, it may not be grounds for a hostile work environment.
Does the Person Seem Apologetic?
Sometimes, someone in a workplace can say something that is hurtful or otherwise inappropriate, simply because the statement slips out. In fact, most people have been in situations in which they've said something inappropriate, perhaps because they were trying to be funny and crossed a line or because they simply lacked the internal filter to know not to make such a statement. Assess whether the person seems apologetic. If he or she isn't apologetic, there may be grounds for a hostile work environment case. However, if the person does show regret and remorse, you can likely just try to put the incident behind the both of you.
Was the Talk Directed at You?
It's also worthwhile to assess whether the inappropriate talk was directed at you. Having a colleague tell you that your backside is big is far worse than overhearing a colleague talk about sitting next to a person with a large backside on the subway. Of course, the latter comment might still be inappropriate, but most people won't view it on the same level as someone directing a comment at them.
If you feel, upon answering these questions, that you're in a hostile work environment, you should consult with an employment attorney, such as those at the Law Office of Faye Riva Cohen, P.C.
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