Palm Beach Gardens Workplace Harassment Attorney
Employment discrimination takes many forms. In some cases it is quite overt, such as an employer refusing to hire someone based on their race or sex. But another common form of workplace discrimination is harassment, which is broadly defined as any unwelcome conduct that is “severe or pervasive” enough to affect an employee’s working conditions by creating a hostile environment.
Workplace harassment is more than simply dealing with a rude supervisor or coworker. It is a well-understood form of workplace discrimination that targets individuals based on certain characteristics or traits. It is against the law and nobody should have to put up with it. If you have been the target of such behaviors and need legal advice or representation from a skilled Palm Beach Gardens workplace harassment attorney, the Sconzo Law Office, P.A., is here to help.
Quid Pro Quo vs. Hostile Work Environment Harassment
Workplace harassment is generally broken down into two subcategories. The first is quid pro quo harassment. This generally occurs in the context of sexual harassment and typically involves a supervisor requesting (or demanding) sexual favors in exchange for a workplace benefit. A common example of this is a hiring offering to hire a job applicant if they sleep with them. But it can apply to any work-related benefit, such as a raise, promotion, or even a good performance review. Whatever the specifics, quid pro quo harassment is always considered a form of illegal sex discrimination.
The second category is hostile work environment harassment. This can apply to many types of discrimination, including sex, race, color, national origin, age, or disability. Basically, if an employee is targeted for harassing behaviors based on a characteristic, they are the victim of workplace harassment. Some common indicators of such harassment include but are not limits to:
- racial slurs;
- name calling;
- offensive jokes;
- displaying offensive pictures at work;
- bullying; or
Every workplace harassment case is unique. But speaking in broad terms, a target of harassment needs to show a pattern of ongoing behavior. While a single incident of workplace bullying may constitute harassment, it is obviously easier to prove if there are multiple offenses.
It is also important to note that illegal workplace harassment does not always originate with a person’s supervisor. Coworkers and other third parties–such as independent contractors and even customers–may engage in behaviors that create a hostile work environment. In Florida, an employer can still be held liable for such acts if they did not take reasonable steps to prevent or put a stop to workplace harassment.
Contact the Sconzo Law Office Today
Workplace harassment is often a series of small acts that build up over time. Many people who are targets of harassment are unsure what to do in response. A good first step is to speak with a Palm Beach Gardens workplace harassment attorney. At the Sconzo Law Office, P.A., we can sit down and review your situation and advise of your legal options moving forward. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
