Fighting Back Against Hostile Work Environments

A hostile work environment can make going to your job each day feel like an overwhelming burden. When your workplace becomes toxic due to harassment, intimidation or offensive conduct, it can affect your emotional well-being, job performance and overall quality of life. Many Hawaii employees endure these conditions without realizing they have legal rights and options to address the situation.

My name is Rod Bridgers, and I am a Hawaii attorney with more than 38 years of experience helping employees combat hostile work environments. I understand the courage it takes to speak up against inappropriate workplace behavior, and I am committed to standing beside you throughout the legal process.

Identifying A Legally Actionable Hostile Work Environment

Not every unpleasant workplace qualifies as a hostile work environment under the law. To meet the legal definition, the hostility typically must:

• Be based on a protected characteristic such as race, gender, religion or disability
• Be severe or pervasive enough to interfere with your work
• Create conditions that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or abusive
• Be known to management who failed to take appropriate action

Workplace harassment creating hostility can come from supervisors, coworkers, clients or customers. The key factor is that it creates an atmosphere that makes performing your job difficult due to the offensive conduct.

Steps To Take When Facing A Hostile Work Environment

If you believe you are working in a hostile workplace, taking these steps can help protect your rights:

• Start documenting harassment at work immediately, including dates, times and witnesses
• Report the behavior through your employer’s established channels
• File an EEOC complaint within the applicable time limits
• Consider filing a Hawaii labor board complaint with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission
• Consult with an employment attorney who understands Hawaii workplace laws

Documentation is particularly important, as it creates a record of the harassment and your attempts to address it properly.

Legal Representation For Workplace Harassment Claims

I can help evaluate your case, explain your options and guide you through each step of the legal process. I bring decades of experience representing Hawaii employees in employment matters, with a deep understanding of both federal and state laws. My approach focuses on understanding your specific circumstances and developing a strategy tailored to your goals.

If you are facing a hostile work environment in Hawaii, call 808-796-5650 or contact me online to schedule a consultation.