A group of employees are looking at a laptop screen while laughing.
A thumbnail image of an employee who is embarrassed by the laughter fades in.

The Work Atmosphere for Everyone

Now, what exactly do we mean by the "environment?" This is important. The environment means the work atmosphere for everyone. So even if you and your friends are not offended by racist or sexist jokes, it doesn't mean that you can tell them or spread them via email or any other way.

Why? Because others in the work environment can overhear, see, or observe the conduct, which to them could be hostile or offensive. So even an employee who simply overhears inappropriate conduct and is offended can and should complain.