Hostile Workplace
How To Cope In A Hostile Workplace
At one time or another, many of us have gone through the experience of trying to cope in a hostile workplace. It may have been the boss who we feel is to blame, it may be one or more of our coworkers, or it may just be the culture of the organization that makes us feel uneasy or unwelcome. Just being the new kid on the block can give you a sense of discomfort. This can be especially true when you are being placed in a key role, and one or another of your coworkers either feels threatened, or believes they should have been given the assignment.
This type of environment may be characterized by acts of outright harassment or discrimination. Something can be done in such instances, when the right people are made aware of what is going on. In legal terms, a hostile work environment is one in which a situation exists such that you cannot reasonably perform your assigned work. In such a case legal action may be the answer. In other instances, the hostility is more subtle and no rules are being broken.
During the civil rights turmoil in the 1950's, President Eisenhower made the statement, "You can't legislate love". That sums up some of the difficulties faced in a hostile workplace. You can't make people like you or accept you.
Most companies have a business code of conduct, and, when enforced, can do much to prevent the more flagrant activities from occurring. This code may be displayed prominently, and should be and often is, addressed as part of new employee's orientation. Compliance should also be one of a manager's or supervisor's responsibilities. While almost every large business or corporation will have such a document, many small businesses do not. When interviewing for a job it would never be inappropriate to ask.
What can you do if you feel you are the victim of a hostile environment, or the victim is a coworker? Unless the hostility being expressed is an overt act of discrimination, or threats are involved, you may be unable to take the issue head on.
Your best course of action, when the source of the problem is one or more coworkers, is to establish a network of friends and supporters. Sometimes, the act of gaining a few friends in the workplace will make the problem go away. This is not the same as choosing up sides, but rather working to gain acceptance.
If the source of the problem is your boss, a support network may help you to cope, and someone within that network may be in a position to confront the boss. You will probably have many fellow sympathizers, and hopefully some day, a new boss.
In the more seldom instance where workplace hostility is bred into the organization's culture, there may be little you can do unless laws are being broken. In that case, your best option may be to seek employment elsewhere.