Best Resignation Letter Sample Due to a Hostile Work Environment [2022]

A resignation letter due to a hostile work environment can be difficult to write. If an employee feels that they are part of a hostile work environment, they should first speak with the human resources department to make a formal notification of hostile behavior.

A hostile work environment is one that consists of:

• A manager or colleague who is showing deliberate indifference or offensive behavior about a person’s race, gender, color, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, pregnancy, religion, age, and any other legally protected characteristic (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964). This is considered unlawful discrimination.
• A manager or colleague who is displaying sexual harassment. This includes any physical activity, showing nudity, sexual favors, nudity in photographs, or other misconduct. Or considered offensive conduct.

In the event one of these is true, the employee should submit a complaint to the HR department and follow the employee handbook and company policies for dealing with hostility in the workplace.

Determining the type of resignation is important. For example, constructive dismissal is when the employer is in breach of contract, entitling the employee to resign in response to the employer’s conduct (or misconduct). In this instance, the employee is entitled to dismiss themselves from the role due to the employer’s conduct.

Constructive discharge, which is often confused with constructive dismissal, is when the employee is forced to resign (or referred to as a “forced resignation”) because the employer has made working conditions intolerable. This means the employee is experiencing an involuntary resignation, which can turn into an employment claim alongside a state employment attorney or attorney who practices employment law. This attorney can help to make a constructive discharge claim.

Before resigning and writing a resignation letter due to workplace harassment, constant bullying, offensive conduct, sexual harassment, or intolerable working conditions, seek legal advice and learn about the appropriate steps for taking legal action, which will include the reason for resigning within the resignation letter.

If the need to resign reaches a boiling point, write a formal letter of resignation but include the reasons for resigning as “personal reasons.” Then speak with an attorney in the area that practices state employment law and approaches the potential claim.

Sample Resignation Letter Due to Hostile Work Environment

Sample resignation letter due to a hostile workplace or toxic work environment.

Resignation Letters

Below are resignation letters and free templates.

By Job Title

• Teacher
• Nurse
• Chef
• Pastor
• Volunteer
• Retail
• Police Officer

By Format

• Simple Resignation Letter
• Formal Resignation Letter
• Heartfelt Resignation Letter

By Reason

• Retirement
• Maternity Leave
• Board Resignation
• Personal Reasons
• New Job
• Better Salary and Benefits
• Relocation
• Hostile Work Environment
• Unhappy with Management
• Unfair Treatment
• Health and Stress
• Going Back to School
• Voluntary Resignation Letter

By Time

• Immediate Resignation Letter
• Two Weeks Notice
• Short Notice Resignation Letter
• 24 Hours Notice
• Part-Time Job

Additional Resources

• How to Tell Your Boss You're Quitting
• What is a "Two Weeks Notice"
• Resignation Letter Format
• Resignation Email
• Goodbye Email to Coworkers
• How to Quit a Job
• Rescind Resignation Letter