How is a hostile work environment different from an adverse employment action? Both hostile work environments and adverse employment actions are not protected under the ADEA. Getting fired is an example of a hostile work environment while being demoted is an example of an adverse employment action. A hostile work environment is created through behaviour and actions a reasonable person would find offensive, while an adverse employment action represents a change in the terms or conditions of employment that adversely impacts the employee. The ADEA protects those subject to a hostile work environment, but offers no protections from adverse employment actions