I quit my job a week ago because I had hit a point where I no longer wanted to tolerate my boss' mania. She would make mistakes, and have me apologize; Create projects for me at 3:00 Friday afternoon (after I spent the last weekend in the office) and become angered when I said I wouldnt stay past 7; scream bloody murder when someone in the office made a mistake; and scream at me when she didnt understand the explanation I provided her. I realize it is not ILLEGAL to be a bad boss, however her "unprofessional" behavior has been documented through the HR process by her direct reports for the past 6 years. She has given everyone the SAME review-- and addressed the same issues. The situation inevitably ends in termination of the employee.

When I left, I made it clear to my HR rep that I was very upset about her ability to operate with impunity in the office. They suggested I tell her that. I did. I found out this morning that two of my closest friends in the office caught some heat this week. And one was fired because they accused him of sexually harrassing me! The other is on warning for the same issue. I have NEVER been sexually harrassed by these individuals, and therefore, have not made any claims or brought it to any attention. I assume that the office is playing C.Y.A. and wants to clean a little house.

What concerns me is that they must have "seen" a hostile work environment, when I didnt. I saw my boss' behavior-- which was hostile, but didnt EVER consider my coworkers' behavior hostile or harrassing. How can I push the issue without throwing my friends under the bus?

A hostile work environment does not mean one that is unpleasant. ONLY when an employee is being subjected to either sexual harassment or illegal discrimination under Title VII and related laws, does an HWE exist legally. What occurred with you and your boss is not a hostile work environment under the law.

The employer is free to fire the other employees for what they see as harassing behavior even if you do not complain or report it.

Frankly, there isn't anything you can do. If the powers that be found the conduct from these other two employees unacceptable, the employer has the right to act on that. It doesn't matter if it bothered you, it wasn't considered appropriate. I would also caution you that you do not have the full story here. You are no longer employed there and the exact subject of investigations and disciplinary acts are rarely completely known by those who are still there, let alone those accused or yourself that is no longer there.

While your boss's behavior was horrible (I worked with someone like that and can sympathize) it doesn't meet the legal definition of a hostile environment. If the company wants to tolerate her poor management skills and suffer the high turn over as a result, that is their business.