What defines a hostile work environment?

A hostile work environment is characterized by unwelcome conduct that is so severe or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive situation for one or more employees. This definition emphasizes the impact of the behavior on the workplace atmosphere, highlighting that the conduct must not only be unwelcome but also sufficiently serious to alter the conditions of employment or create an environment that an employee finds intolerable.

In this context, options that suggest a welcoming or neutral environment do not align with the definition of a hostile work environment. For instance, a scenario where conduct is welcomed or an environment free from any type of conduct fails to recognize the key elements of intimidation and severity that define hostility. Similarly, an environment that promotes competition among employees may not necessarily lead to a hostile situation; it could instead foster a healthy competitive spirit if managed appropriately. Therefore, the correct answer effectively conveys the necessity of unwelcome conduct's severity in constituting a hostile work environment.