Workplace abuse can take many forms, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, intimidation, or verbal mistreatment. Many employees are told to report these issues to Human Resources (HR), only to discover that HR appears to protect management instead of addressing the misconduct. If you believe HR is covering for an abusive boss, it is important to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

At Law Offices of David R. Denis, P.C., we provide legal assistance to the Los Angeles public and help employees assert their workplace rights under California and federal law.

Understanding the Role of HR

Human Resources departments are responsible for handling employee relations, enforcing company policies, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. However, HR ultimately works for the employer. Their primary obligation is often to protect the company’s interests, not necessarily the individual employee’s.

This does not mean HR can ignore unlawful behavior. California law strictly prohibits workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and hostile work environments. If HR fails to act—or worse, attempts to silence complaints—the employer may still be legally responsible.

Recognizing Abusive Conduct

Abusive behavior by a supervisor may include:

• Repeated verbal humiliation or intimidation
• Discriminatory remarks based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics
• Sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct
• Retaliation after reporting misconduct
• Threats related to termination or demotion

While general rudeness is not always illegal, conduct tied to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation may violate state and federal employment laws.

Document Everything

If you believe HR is protecting an abusive boss, documentation becomes critical. Keep detailed records of:

• Dates, times, and locations of incidents
• What was said or done
• Names of witnesses
• Copies of emails, messages, performance reviews, and complaints

If you file a complaint with HR, do so in writing whenever possible and keep copies. Written documentation creates a paper trail that can be valuable if the situation escalates.

File a Formal Written Complaint

Even if you suspect HR may not act fairly, submitting a formal written complaint can still be important. It demonstrates that the employer was placed on notice of the misconduct. Under California law, employers have a duty to investigate complaints of harassment and discrimination.

If HR dismisses your concerns without investigation or retaliates against you for reporting, this may strengthen your legal claim.

Watch for Retaliation

Retaliation is illegal in California. If you report harassment or discrimination and then experience:

• Sudden negative performance reviews
• Demotion or reduction in hours
• Exclusion from meetings or opportunities
• Termination

You may have a separate retaliation claim. Employers cannot punish employees for asserting their legal rights.

Consider Filing an Administrative Complaint

Before filing a lawsuit in many employment cases, employees must file a complaint with the appropriate government agency. In California, this often means filing with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

These agencies may investigate the complaint and may issue a “right to sue” notice, allowing you to pursue legal action in court.

Speak With an Employment Attorney

When HR fails to address abusive behavior—or actively protects a supervisor—it can leave employees feeling powerless. An employment attorney can evaluate whether the conduct violates California labor and anti-discrimination laws and help you determine the best course of action.

Legal action may include pursuing claims for harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, or failure to prevent harassment. Compensation may include lost wages, emotional distress damages, and other remedies available under the law.

Protecting Your Career and Your Rights

No employee should be forced to tolerate unlawful workplace abuse. If internal reporting channels fail, outside legal options may be available. Acting promptly is important because employment claims are subject to strict deadlines.

At Law Offices of David R. Denis, P.C., we provide legal assistance to employees throughout Los Angeles who are facing hostile work environments or retaliation. Understanding your rights is the first step toward holding employers accountable.