A hostile work environment exists when employees are subjected to unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic (like gender or sex) that is severe or pervasive enough to create an abusive workplace. Hearing sexually explicit conversations qualifies.
Official Extract:
"A hostile work environment arises when inappropriate behavior based on protected characteristics interferes with an employee's ability to perform work duties and creates an intimidating or offensive environment." (Source: HRCI PHR Content Outline 2024-2025, Employee and Labor Relations Section, Harassment and Workplace Conduct)