CAN RUMORS CREATE A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT?

Yup, or at least that’s what the Third Circuit Federal Court of Appeals thinks. “So and so is gay,” “Did you hear she is cheating on her husband,“ “I understand he is the one leaking all the information about our workplace screw-ups to the local media.” According to the court, if there are mean or otherwise hurtful rumors spreading around the office, then the agency is obligated by law to step in and stop the chatter. If it doesn’t it may have to write someone a check. Click here for a post from the Ogletree Deakins law firm alerting its management clients to this little-known liability.