Hostile Work Environment
How to protect your workers – and your business.
Suss out behavior that's actually illegal -- not just mean or dysfunctional.
Everyone wants a harmonious, productive workplace. For employers, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment is not just good for business —it’s a legal obligation.
Treaty Oak will equip you with the resources needed to maintain a healthy working environment and avoid distractions, workflow disruptions, low morale, a blemished reputation, and — worst of all — expensive settlements.
Investigation Scoping
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We evaluate your company for situations warranting a Title VII or other workplace investigation.
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Excessive exhibits billed hourly.
FAQs
Rudeness or criticism alone doesn’t necessarily meet the legal criteria for a hostile work environment. The situation must meet two crucial criteria:
- Pervasiveness and Severity: The actions must be part of a consistent pattern over time and severe enough to disrupt an employee’s ability to work or advance in their career, and;
- Discrimination: The behavior must be discriminatory against protected classifications, such as age, race, sexual orientation, disability, or gender.
Beyond these legal criteria, hostility can vary depending on the industry, workplace dynamics, and the personalities of the employees involved.
Unfortunately, no. Your obligation is to react immediately.
Waiting for a legal determination before investigating can lead to serious consequences. Courts make decisions on the legality of actions long after your obligation to investigate has been triggered. It’s crucial to respond promptly to complaints to avoid negative outcomes, such as EEOC charges and lawsuits.
We help you take the necessary steps to avoid hostile workplace issues:
- Treat each complaint seriously
- Conduct an investigation with legal counsel
- Take action to stop inappropriate behavior
- Train supervisors and employees
Why Choose Treaty Oak Law Group
Immediate Action
We recognize the urgency of hostile work environment claims. When you decide to work with us, we will promptly begin an investigation to address these issues.
A Comprehensive Approach
You’ll get an experienced team of AWI investigators, business psychologists, HR professionals, nonprofit management experts, and seasoned attorneys.
A Legal Framework
We adhere strictly to legal guidelines for documenting concerns related to workplace harassment and potentially hostile environments.
A History of Success
With decades of investigative experience, we have successfully resolved hundreds of workplace hostility investigations, preventing them from escalating to costly litigation.
Our Investigation Process Includes
Handling hostile work environment claims requires more than experience — it takes judgment, empathy, and a steady hand. Our employment investigators know how to manage complex, emotionally charged situations while preserving trust and professionalism. Drawing on deep experience in employment law, HR practice, and workplace culture, we conduct investigations that are both thorough and respectful. Employers rely on our seasoned perspective to uncover the truth, minimize disruption, and restore confidence within their teams.
Every detail matters in a hostile work environment investigation. We take the time to listen carefully, gather documentation, and assess credibility with precision. Our employment investigators look beyond surface-level allegations to understand context, culture, and impact — ensuring our findings are accurate, defensible, and complete. The result is a report you can rely on when making critical decisions about your workplace.
We understand that employers need clarity, not confusion. Throughout every investigation, we maintain open and consistent communication — outlining each step, explaining what comes next, and translating complex employment issues into plain language. Our goal is to keep you informed, supported, and confident as we navigate sensitive situations together.
A well-run investigation does more than resolve a single complaint — it reveals what’s happening beneath the surface. We identify patterns and workplace dynamics that contribute to harassment or conflict, helping employers strengthen culture and prevent future issues. By uncovering the root causes, we equip you to build a safer, more respectful, and legally compliant work environment.
Handling hostile work environment claims requires more than experience — it takes judgment, empathy, and a steady hand. Our employment investigators know how to manage complex, emotionally charged situations while preserving trust and professionalism. Drawing on deep experience in employment law, HR practice, and workplace culture, we conduct investigations that are both thorough and respectful. Employers rely on our seasoned perspective to uncover the truth, minimize disruption, and restore confidence within their teams.
We approach every hostile work environment investigation with careful attention to both the legal and human dimensions of the situation. Our employment investigators remain neutral and fact-focused, evaluating evidence and testimony objectively while ensuring all participants are treated with fairness and respect. Throughout the process, we maintain consistency in applying workplace policies and employment law standards. From the first interview to the final report, our goal is to deliver findings that are balanced, well-documented, and defensible — helping employers make informed decisions and restore trust in the workplace.
Every detail matters in a hostile work environment investigation. We take the time to listen carefully, gather documentation, and assess credibility with precision. Our employment investigators look beyond surface-level allegations to understand context, culture, and impact — ensuring our findings are accurate, defensible, and complete. The result is a report you can rely on when making critical decisions about your workplace.
We understand that employers need clarity, not confusion. Throughout every investigation, we maintain open and consistent communication — outlining each step, explaining what comes next, and translating complex employment issues into plain language. Our goal is to keep you informed, supported, and confident as we navigate sensitive situations together.
A well-run investigation does more than resolve a single complaint — it reveals what’s happening beneath the surface. We identify patterns and workplace dynamics that contribute to harassment or conflict, helping employers strengthen culture and prevent future issues. By uncovering the root causes, we equip you to build a safer, more respectful, and legally compliant work environment.
Don’t risk the future of your business.
Received a complaint about a hostile work environment? Deal with it properly and head-on by working with our credentialed and experienced experts.
Her techniques were respectful to our staff but aggressive with regards to the allegations.
Shelby Bobosky
Performed their services efficiently and with professionalism and fairness. Super happy.
Mark Erwin
