"I'll be the judge of that!" In this podcast episode, Karen discusses the legal definition of a hostile work environment and retaliation under federal law. She uses a recent case out of South Carolina, where a woman named brought a case against her former employer, the South Carolina Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, as an example to explain the legal process of filing a claim of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Karen explains that not all hostile work environments are legally protected, and there are certain elements that have to take place before someone can successfully make a claim of retaliation. She also emphasizes that when an employee files a claim, they have to first go to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and then federal court if necessary. Michael advises employers to create safe, civil, and legally compliant workplaces to avoid lawsuits and to ensure their workplaces work for everyone. The Job Judge Podcast is a podcast for anyone who works. This is not legal advice! Engaging and informative, it’s a must-listen/watch for any manager, business owner, HR professional, or anyone who works. Relying on three decades of experience as an employment law attorney and HR Executive, Karen Michael uses real case studies in the news and navigates through the legal landmines and workplace dysfunction that we know is probably happening right now in your organization.