Hostile Work Environment Definition
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Can My Employer Do That? Part One By: Jenn S.

Can My Boss Do That

In a busy employment law practice, I field a lot of questions from employees who want to know whether an action taken by their employer was “illegal.” In the vast majority of cases, the action of the employer is not illegal per se, though it may have been grossly unfair, blatantly discriminatory, or in extreme bad taste. However, there are situations where an employer is acting illegally and quick action is necessary. The following are some common and some unusual questions from employees who call wanting to know, “Can my employer do that?” Can my boss tell me to cover my tattoos / cut my hair / take out a piercing? Freedom to express yourself is surely a great right in America.  But, if you want to hold a job you’d best take note of your employer’s appearance … [Read more...]

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Stop Your Harassing Boss With Your Employee Handbook

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The Employee Handbook – Know the Rules and Your Rights By: Jenn S. When you first went to work for your employer, it is likely that you received an employee handbook, often referred to as an employee manual or a policy and procedure manual. If you did what you were supposed to do, you read it and then signed a document stating that you read and fully understood the rules and policies stated within. Though such “rule books” often seem like mindless paperwork you can easily plow through during orientation and then forget, they are much, much more than that. Instead of thinking of the employee handbook as all of the things that you can’t do or rules that restrict you, also think of it as what your employer has to so do for you. Key Employee Policies:  So what are the most … [Read more...]

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Avoiding the Axe…Part Two — by Jenn S.

Here are a few more tips for keeping on the straight and narrow at work and avoiding many of the common pitfalls that I have seen result in many lost jobs… DON’T gossip. It’s hard, I know. I have a hard time following this one myself. Gossip is just so fun. Though talking about other people’s faults and foibles can be great entertainment, it can also cause a lot of problems. Generally speaking, people don’t like to be gossiped about and when word gets around that you’re one of the folks spreading other people’s business to all parts of the office, you might become the target of some unpleasant commentary yourself. Office dramas and rivalries often begin with what some might characterize as harmless gossip and end with someone losing a job or at least being moved or … [Read more...]

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10 Consejos Si Está Enfrentando Cesación en el Trabajo

Bienvenidos al podcast del "Lugar de Trabajo Hostil", yo soy su anfitrión, el Abogado Encubierto. Aquí estamos con el programa número seis del podcast "Lugar de Trabajo Hostil". Obviamente, ha pasado un tiempo desde el último podcast. Francamente eso es porque el Foro del Abogado Encubierto ha estado explotando con miembros y gente con preguntas, y mucho de mi tiempo ha estado ocupado en responder preguntas en el foro. Así que si Ud. no lo ha visitado y/o si a Ud. le gustaría hacer preguntas, siéntase libre de ir allí y revisarlo. Eso está en UndercoverLawyer.com/forum o hay un enlace en el sitio web UndercoverLawyer.com. Espero que haya disfrutado el último segmento con la entrevista a nuestra oyente. Si Ud. cree que tiene una historia que sería una buena ilustración para … [Read more...]

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Podcast #6: 10 Tips for Anyone Facing Termination, Including Negotiating a Severance Package

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Download PDF Transcript If you want to listen on your iPod via iTunes, you can use this link (will open iTunes and take you to the podcast): http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=284065741 You can also listen through this website using the player below. The primary message of Episode #6 of the Hostile Workplace Podcast is "You Are Not Powerless When Facing Termination!"  This episode shows you how to fight back and try to keep your job, PLUS, we cover how to negotiate a severance if you decide to leave.  Negotiating a severance would also apply to anyone who is facing layoffs at their company. Tips 1-3: Fight Back by utilizing protected classes and turning the tables on your supervisor. Tips 4-7: Slow the Process Down by knowing all your due … [Read more...]

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I’m Being Harassed at Work! What Can I Do?

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By Jenn S. Illegal harassment in the workplace is no joke. Workplace harassment involves unwelcome and offensive conduct that is based on race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), religion, disability, or age (age 40 or older). Many states also have other protected classes so it is important to be familiar with your own state’s discrimination laws. Some examples of harassment include offensive or derogatory jokes, racial or ethnic slurs, pressure for dates or sexual favors, unwelcome comments about a person's religion or religious garments, or offensive cartoons or pictures, to name a few. Keep in mind, however, that not all workplace harassment is illegal. Discrimination laws generally do not prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents … [Read more...]