An independent adjudicator appointed by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission has awarded three former employees of A+ Financial Services thousands of dollars after it was found their boss sent them "vulgar," racist emails and subjected two female employees to unwanted sexual advances.

The human rights commission said the adjudicator ruled the owner of the company "created a toxic and intimidating work environment" for employees over the span of two years. The adjudicator found the owner harassed workers and sent them so-called "joke" emails with inappropriate content and photos in violation of the Human Rights Code.

"It is simply vile and disgusting that anyone in a workplace environment should send such materials to anyone else," adjudicator Robert Dawson said in a statement.

At the end of the eight-day hearing, the adjudicator ordered A+ Financial Services to pay the three employees $20,000 each for "injury to their dignity, feelings and self-respect."

"We still hear too often from employees who are forced to endure sexist and racist comments and conduct in their workplaces," human rights commission chairperson Yvonne Peter said in a statement.

"This decision makes it very clear that owners and managers have the responsibility under the Human Rights Code to create environments that are respectful, inclusive and safe."