NH - definition pls

[nhworker]

need a definition of hostile work environment - less than 5 employees place of work - thank you!

[cyjeff]

The standard definition of a hostile work environment is one in which an employee is discriminated against for membership in a protected group (race, sex, national origin) or in violation of some other legal precedent or law.

In other words, because someone yells at you does not make it a hostile environment.

In an office of 5 people, most federal and state labor laws do not apply.

[nhworker]

can you tell me what does apply, please?

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by nhworker

can you tell me what does apply, please?

Nothing. What happened at work that you feel you are in a hostile work environment.

[nhworker]

I work in a less than 5 employee office in a small town with a volunteer board of directors and everyone knows everyone. My boss is out of control and I have forgiven too many times. I need to at least console myself with reading about my recourses.

I thank you for any advice and reading lists.

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by nhworker

I work in a less than 5 employee office in a small town with a volunteer board of directors and everyone knows everyone. My boss is out of control and I have forgiven too many times. I need to at least console myself with reading about my recourses.

I thank you for any advice and reading lists.

You didn't describe what happened at work.

[nhworker]

thank you - actually I am new to this and hesitate to actually describe because it is a well known place and the boss is easily recognizable. Lets just say I cannot tolerate this behavior any longer - the boss is out of control - yelling, swearing, etc. but apologizes afterwards...a lengthy story, too long for this.

do you have any websites or reading material?

thank you!

[cbg]

Based SOLELY on what little you did post, your recourse is to find other employment.

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by cbg

Based SOLELY on what little you did post, your recourse is to find other employment.

Yep. Nothing that you have described constitutes a hostile environment. Sorry.

[nhworker]

any advice on any reading material? on line or otherwise?

[moburkes]

dol.gov is the only thing I can think of. Otherwise, just google it.

[cbg]

Actually, this would fall under the EEOC, not the DOL.


www.eeoc.gov

[nhworker]

any recommendations for southern NH atty - or advice? all I want is to be able to get another job same town, same (approx-less okay) pay, hours, etc. without anyone I know finding out...that will be almost impossible.

[cbg]

Sorry, but we can't recommend specific attorneys, nor, from what you've posted, does it appear that an attorney could do anything for you. NOTHING in your post suggests that anything illegal has transpired.

[nhworker]

I think I get it - being yelled at is not illegal of course! I just need somewhere to vent about my boss! thank you!

[cbg]

I understand, but the purpose of these boards is for the providing of general legal information, not for venting.

[cyjeff]

Originally Posted by nhworker

any recommendations for southern NH atty - or advice? all I want is to be able to get another job same town, same (approx-less okay) pay, hours, etc. without anyone I know finding out...that will be almost impossible.

The easiest way is to quit and look for other work.

When people ask why, tell them that your former boss was a jerk.

That is what I said when I left MY last job.

[Pattymd]

Originally Posted by cyjeff

When people ask why, tell them that your former boss was a jerk.

cyjeff was being sarcastic, of course. Telling a prospective employer that your former boss was a jerk is not going to get you on the top of the candidate list.

[cyjeff]

Patti, you are, of course, correct.

During the interview, you say that you and your former boss had a personality clash that made it necessary to seek other employment.

After you are hired, you can call your old boss a jerk.

I actually think of one old boss I had as a cartoon of a terrible boss. Like she should have been in a Dilbert strip or something.

Shudder.