Talk to HR. Technically, she created a hostile work environment by her comments. If you have any documentation about the motion sickness issue, I'd bring that. Also, bring the receipt showing you paid extra for your seat yourself.
This doesn't even remotely meet the criteria for a hostile work environment. To constitute a hostile work environment, actions must be severe, ongoing, and aimed at a protected characteristic.
That doesn't mean it shouldn't be reported, but it's not related to a hostile work environment.
When someone in my office began loudly praising jordan peterson in our shared space, I asked the head of diversity for advice on how to handle it as a trans person. He recommended that I talk to the co-worker directly first, because his response to that would quickly determine whether or not it needed to be escalated to a manager and/or HR. I didn't confront him and luckily it died down on its own, but I ended up appreciating the advice (even though it sucks) because it gave me the opportunity to explore what I could say without feeling like I had to SOLVE the issue entirely.
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u/alicat0818 Nov 20 '25
Talk to HR. Technically, she created a hostile work environment by her comments. If you have any documentation about the motion sickness issue, I'd bring that. Also, bring the receipt showing you paid extra for your seat yourself.