Understandably, tensions can run high in the workplace and the relationship between employees and employers can occasionally become strained. As such, employees often question the legality of their employer yelling at them. While shouting in the workplace can contribute to a hostile work environment, it is not inherently against the law. Whether or not your boss’s behavior is unlawful depends on the unique circumstances of the situation. In some cases, verbal abuse can fall under illegal workplace discrimination under state and federal law. Please continue reading to learn when it is illegal for your employer to yell at you and how a determined New York Employee Rights Lawyer can fight for you today.
Is it Illegal for an Employer to Yell at Their Employee?
It is important to understand that an employer yelling at an employee can be classified as verbal abuse and harassment if it is discriminatory, sexually offensive, or consistent. Workers have the right to a safe work environment free from verbal abuse and harassment. If you experience verbal abuse that is severe and outrageous enough, you may have a valid legal claim against your employer. Generally speaking, verbal abuse is defined as the use of words to intentionally cause another person harm. The following include but are not limited to some of the most common forms of verbal abuse:
- Shouting
- Name-calling
- Harassment
- Insults
- Offensive language
- Intimidation
- Slurs
Unfortunately, it’s common for employers to use their position of authority to mistreat their employees. Many victims attribute blame to themselves, a factor that often results in their reluctance to pursue actions aimed at stopping the abuse cycle. Over time, verbal abuse can lead to depression, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other psychological issues. Due to the profound impact verbal abuse can have on an employee, you may have grounds to hold them legally accountable for their harassment and employment discrimination.
What Should I Do If I’m Facing Workplace Harassment?
If you are experiencing harassment in the workplace, it’s importnat to take the necessary steps to protect your rights. The first step you should take is to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) or the EED (Equal Employment Division). This must be filed in order to commence a lawsuit against your employer. According to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) to establish a hostile work environment you must demonstrate that your employer verbally abused you based upon a protected trait and that the abuse was so severe and pervasive that a reasonable person would consider the work environment intimidating or abusive.
At the Bell Law Group, PLLC, we are pared to help you determine whether you have a valid claim and navigate your legal options. If you need top-notch legal assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated legal team who will fight for the justice you deserve.
