What defines a work environment as hostile?

A work environment is defined as hostile primarily by the presence of severe conduct that intimidates or offends employees. This can include actions or comments that create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive atmosphere, which can have a significant negative impact on an individual's emotional well-being and ability to perform their job effectively. Such conduct can take many forms, including harassment, discrimination, or bullying, and it is characterized by its severity and the effects it has on the victims.

In contrast, unpleasant interactions among coworkers, while potentially contributing to a negative work environment, do not necessarily reach the level of severity required to classify a workplace as hostile. Similarly, a work environment that is conducive to productivity would generally be considered positive, rather than hostile. Frequent team-building activities typically foster cooperation and camaraderie among employees, which is the opposite of the negative dynamics associated with a hostile work environment. Thus, the distinguishing factor is the severity of the conduct that creates a genuinely threatening or offensive experience for employees.