Workplace bullying has a detrimental effect on productivity at many companies. There’s a major difference between friendly joking and harassment. Civil litigation attorneys in California can help you find a solution, whether you prefer to take the situation to a court or aim for a settlement.
If your workplace has a bullying problem, taking legal action can lead to significant changes.
Bullying in a Los Angeles Workplace – What You Need to Know
California employees are protected against bullying by law. Workplace harassment and bullying is a serious issue, but it has a specific definition. Although everyone sometimes has conflicts or misunderstandings at work, bullying goes far beyond that.
Bullying affects the entire workplace and may disrupt work for the person being bullied, the bullying person, and other people in the workplace.
It includes both verbal and physical harassment. In some circumstances, it can have serious legal consequences.
The laws also protect against discrimination of protected classes such as:
- Gender
- Race
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Disability status
- Pregnancy
California Civil Litigation Attorneys – Laws Protecting Employees
California employment attorneys protect employees from harsh working conditions. In addition to workplace safety and potential hazards, they also interpret laws protecting people from bullying.
Anti-discrimination laws protect people who might otherwise face unfair treatment from managers and colleagues. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), for example, protects disabled people against bullying.
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), on the other hand, grants employees basic rights to protect them from bullying, wrongful termination, and other types of harassment. It lists all protected classes in the state.
Workplace Practices and Policies that May Lead to Bullying
Some workplace practices can lead to bullying. If the workplace itself has an unhealthy, demanding, or negative culture, that can easily encourage bullying and create a bullying culture within the company.
When bullying becomes normal among management, other employees will start to adopt the same tone and behavior. Not all unpleasant actions qualify as bullying. However, labor laws help attorneys define what is and isn’t legally actionable.
Bullying and Workplace Culture
When bullying becomes part of the workplace culture, it can be harder to identify. It may be more common in highly competitive workplaces where workers feel a lot of pressure.
It’s also more common amid stressful situations like mass layoffs or a lack of organization. When people are facing uncertainty, they may be more likely to lash out. Competitive workplaces can encourage productivity when done right, but they can also lead to infighting among colleagues.
Examples of Workplace Practices and Policies Leading to Bullying
Some workplaces have a high-pressure environment where even leadership takes part in bullying. That sets the tone for other employees.
Some management may ignore allegations of bullying, mistreatment, and abuse, sending the signal that those things aren’t taken seriously.
Other companies will ignore training sessions that set standards for appropriate behavior. A lack of protocol for harassment and offensive behavior enables bullying as well.
Hire the Best Employment Lawyers in Los Angeles for Workplace Bullying
We are known among clients for our passionate defense in court and our thorough research. Our attorneys have many years of experience handling employment law cases.
Our California employment attorneys have the expertise needed to help you get your desired outcome. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can handle your case, contact us at 866-320-4854 at LibertyBell Law Group today!
