Examples of a hostile work environment include:

• Discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics. For example, offensive remarks, slurs, or jokes targeting specific individuals or groups create a hostile atmosphere.
• Bullying or intimidation such as frequent belittling, verbal abuse, or threats that undermine employee confidence and wellbeing.
• Excessive criticism or micromanagement by leaders that obstructs productivity and damages morale.
• Isolation or exclusion of employees from meetings, discussions, or social events.
• Unfair policies and practices that disproportionately affect certain individuals or groups.
• Retaliation against employees who stand up for themselves or report issues like discrimination or harassment.
• Sexual harassment including unwanted advances, comments, or actions.
• Hostile communication involving aggressive, insulting, or offensive language.
• Unequal advancement opportunities based on discriminatory practices.
• A workplace culture permeated by fear, stress, and anxiety due to toxic behaviors.

Specific scenarios include supervisors making ageist or sexist remarks, exclusion of employees based on race, mocking employees with disabilities, consistent targeting by managers with harsh criticism, sexual advances despite objections, and persistent denial of promotions due to religious beliefs.

These examples reflect behaviors and situations that create an unsafe, uncomfortable, and unproductive environment for employees.