In New Jersey, employees have the right to a workplace free of harassment on the basis of a legally protected characteristic under the anti-discrimination laws (that is age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.).
Harassment is illegal when it creates a hostile work environment. To rise to that level, the harassment must be either so severe — one extremely bad incident – or so pervasive – frequent and repeated but perhaps less severe incidents — that it alters the terms and conditions of employment in such a way that a reasonable person of the same legally protected characteristic as the victim would find the work environment to be hostile.
In a sexual harassment case brought by a woman, a reasonable woman standard would apply. Similarly, in a racial harassment case brought by a black employee, a reasonable black person standard would apply.
From Chris’ interview for the Masters of Employment Law on ReelLawyers.com
The most common type of hostile work environment involves sexual harassment that occurs when an employee is subjected to unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature due to their gender or sexual orientation.
If you have been harmed by workplace harassment or a hostile work environment in New Jersey, call the employment law firm of Lenzo & Reis, LLC, in Morristown at (973) 845-9922. You may also complete our online form with a brief description of your claim. Our experienced attorneys help employees who live and work in New Jersey.