What characterizes hostile environment harassment?

Hostile environment harassment is characterized by conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work atmosphere. This can occur through various forms of offensive behavior, such as inappropriate jokes, slurs, or unwelcoming comments about an individual's race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. The key aspect is that the behavior interferes with a person's ability to perform their job and creates an environment that is intimidating or distressing.

In contrast, light-hearted jokes among colleagues, positive team collaboration, and appropriate professional communication represent interactions that foster a supportive and respectful work environment, which does not align with the definition of hostile environment harassment. Therefore, option B correctly identifies the essence of hostile environment harassment, distinguishing it from other forms of interaction that are deemed acceptable and constructive in a workplace setting.