Hostile environment sexual harassment generally means that the intimidation, insults, and the ridicule were sufficiently severe to alter the working conditions. Here courts look at several things. These include whether the discriminatory conduct is frequent or severe, whether it is physically threatening or humiliating, or a mere offensive utterance; and whether it unreasonably interferes with an employee’s work performance. Courts also consider whether the employee subjectively perceives the work environment as being abusive.
Definition