Hostile Work Environment???

Nevada HR

An ee of ours turned in two weeks notice, then requested another two weeks, which was granted. Later that day she was overheard by a couple of people talking to a Board member, saying she was "going where she would be better treated".

The manager took her and I (HR rep) into his office and stated that the conversation was reported to him by more than one party, and that he didn't understand what she meant by that, but expected her to show a little gratitude for the extension, and that if she couldn't do that, the earlier notice date worked just as well as the latter for him.

Now she's suing him for a hostile work environment.

Doesn't a manager have the right not to have his and the company's reputation smeared during company time?

HRinGA

Considering what I have been going through this week (see my earlier post), this nowhere near rises to the level of hostile environment.
Did he speak bluntly with her? Yes
Did it piss her off? Yes
Does she have a case of hostile environment? I would say no way.

Nevada HR

Thanks...that's my take too.

And yes, good luck with yours!! I'll be watching for the outcome.

Whirlwind

"Hostile work environment" is not a viable cause of action unless the alleged hostility is based on membership in a protected class. Based on the facts you've given, the manager's actions do not appear to have been based on gender, race, age, etc. (nor did they seem very hostile).

Paul in Cannon Beach

Also, I believe the courts have ruled that one isolated incident is generally not enought to create a hostile work environment.

The term "hostile work environment" is one of the most misunderstood and misused concepts in the workplace.

For some people, simply having to work hard and achieve certain expectations is "hostile".

Nevada HR

That's a fact!

HRinGA

AMEN!

System

Normally, hostile environment charges are only recognized in a sexual harassment allegation, not just percieved hostility towards an employee. Also, the standard that must be met is "severe and pervasive". It sounds like this employee is far from being able to meet that standard. She's a yo-yo and obviously a malcontent out for a free ride. Take her on with both guns blazin'.......

Paul in Cannon Beach

Yee haw!

Rockie

I agree with everyone on this. I'm not a big fan of extending "notices". Usually, these people tend to act out and cause issues before they leave.

I can't believe an attorney would take this case as a "hostile" work environment case. Just because an employee perceives a work environment as less than desirable or are asked to do something they don't want to do, it's not a hostile environment unless Title VII rights are violated.

Just be glad she's gone. I'll bet the stress level plummeted once she had left.

Nevada HR

Thanks, everyone. You've really helped!