How to Document a Hostile Work Environment
Working in a hostile environment can be very stressful if you are not sure how to handle it. Making sure that you have documented the hostile and harassing events is the first step in resolving this improper situation. Documenting should be done in a thorough and complete manner to ensure that there are no questions about what has taken place.
- Keep a copy of any harassment that occurs that is in written form. This includes emails, notes and other documents that have been sent to you. Make copies of notes and print emails to be sure that all written forms of communication are kept in your files.
- Respond in writing to any harassing incidents that have occurred to the individual who perpetrated the incident. Send an email if possible asking for an explanation of why they have used offensive language towards you or why they have treated you in a poor manner. Make sure to be specific about the date and time of the incident. If you get a response from the person who is harassing you, this will be good evidence that the incident has occurred. Keep copies of these emails and put them with other documentation.
- Make sure to write down the dates and times of any hostile incidents that have occurred right after they have happened. Make sure to give details about exactly what was said and done as well as any witnesses that may have been present. Doing this right away will keep your documentation as accurate as possible.
- Ask co-workers if they would be willing to write a statement saying that they witnessed the hostile environment take place. This can be very helpful if you are thinking of filing a lawsuit.
- Record hostile conversations that take place at work if you are able to. This will be the best documentation because there will be no question as to what took place. Make sure that you are able to do this in your state because some states will not allow you to record conversations without permission from all parties being recorded.