How Music in the Workplace Can Lead to Liability

(From National Law Review) Last month, a federal court ruled in favor of an employee who filed a lawsuit against their employer for allowing explicit music to be played in the workplace. The court found that the continuous exposure to offensive and explicit lyrics created a hostile work environment, constituting sexual harassment. This ruling serves as a reminder to employers that they bear the responsibility of providing a safe and inclusive work environment. To mitigate liability risks, employers are encouraged to implement clear policies regarding music choices, create guidelines for appropriate content, and consider using edited versions or instrumental music to avoid potential issues.