QUESTION
Does this constitute a hostile work environment?
Asked on Aug 01st, 2017 on Labor and Employment - Georgia
More details to this question:
I work in a team, and one guy on the team decidedly does not pull his weight. He constantly shows up late, doesn't do the assigned work, shows up high on painkillers, and misses due dates on the products we make. Our boss hasn't taken any corrective action on this to date, largely because he and the offending employee were childhood friends. We have all spoken to our boss about the issues with this specific employee, and he punishes the whole team instead of the individual, and two people have been fired for displaying the exact same behavior the offending employee has shown. It has unfortunately gotten the point where I've taken to carrying a letter of resignation on me at all times. Does this constitute a hostile work environment?
1 ANSWER
Labor and Employment Attorney serving Atlanta, GA
2 Awards
No this does not constitute a hostile work environment that would amount to illegal harassment. It may constitute unfair treatment - and even stupid treatment. However unfair and stupid are not illegal. A "hostile work environment" is not, in itself, illegal nor is harassment itself illegal unless the basis for the harassment is illegal (i.e., unless it is based on your race, gender, age, etc.). Favoritism toward a childhood friend may be unfair, but it isn't illegal.
Answered on Aug 02nd, 2017 at 5:43 PM