A hostile work environment occurs when an employee experiences harassment or discrimination based on protected characteristics including sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability that is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with their job performance. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from such environments. 

Examples of a hostile work environment include sexually explicit jokes, unwanted comments about appearance, racial slurs, offensive symbols, or any persistent behavior creating an intimidating or abusive atmosphere. An employee must demonstrate that the harassment was based on a protected characteristic and significantly impacted their work environment. Even employees who witness harassing behavior, rather than being direct targets, may have grounds for a claim if it significantly affects their ability to work.