Hostile Environment Means an Offensive Work Environment

Hostile environment means an offensive work environment.In the hostile environment type of sexual harassment,the person being sexually harassed doesn't risk economic harm but experiences an offensive or intimidating work environment.Examples include obscene gestures,sex-stereotyped jokes,sexually oriented posters and graffiti,and suggestive remarks.
To help prevent harassment from occurring,managers can make sure their companies have an effective sexual harassment policy in place.The policy should be shown to all current and new employees,who should be made to understand that sexual harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances.A formal complaint procedure should be established,which should explain how charges will be investigated and resolved.Supervisors should be trained in Title VII requirements and the proper procedures to follow when charges occur.If charges occur,they should be investigated promptly and objectively,and if substantiated,the offender should be disciplined at once-no matter what his or her rank in the company.