Employee discrimination is more common than you might think. Whether it’s a sexist remark from your boss or not being promoted because of your gender, these behaviors are frustrating and disrespectful to employees. In this blog article, we’ll give you tips on how to protect yourself in the workplace.
What Is Employee Discrimination?
Employee discrimination is when an individual is treated unfairly or differently from other employees because of their race, color, religion, sex ( including gender identity and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or over), disability, genetic information, marital status, or sexual orientation. There are laws that protect employees from discrimination in the workplace.
You may be protected from employment discrimination if you are a qualified employee under the law. Qualified employees are those who meet certain requirements such as having a good job performance record, being able to do the work required for the position, and not being a threat to public safety. You also may be protected if you are an applicant for a position and can show that you would be a qualified employee based on your qualifications.
Questions about Employee Discrimination
1. Why do people discriminate?
There are a variety of reasons why people may discriminate. Some people may believe that certain groups of people are inferior and unworthy of equal treatment. Others may feel that they have the right to treat certain groups of people differently because they feel that they know better than those individuals what’s best for them. Still, others may be motivated by financial gain or personal revenge. Whatever the reason, discrimination harms both the targets of discrimination and society as a whole.
2. How can I protect myself from discrimination?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to protect yourself from discrimination will vary depending on your individual situation and circumstances. However, some tips you can use to minimize the risk of discrimination include: being aware of your rights and how they differ depending on your legally protected status; knowing your employer’s policies concerning discrimination; documenting any incidents of discrimination you experience; speaking up if you witness or experience discrimination; and consulting with an attorney if you feel that you have been discriminated against.
3. What are some specific examples of discrimination that people commonly experience?
Some common examples of discrimination that people experience include: being denied a job or promotion; being treated poorly at work; being refused service in a restaurant or store; experiencing harassment at work; and being refused to house.
4. What are the consequences of discrimination?
The consequences of discrimination can be both personal and professional. In some cases, individuals may feel humiliated or upset by the treatment they have received. They may also lose confidence in themselves and feel less capable of achieving their goals. At a more tangible level, individuals who experience discrimination on a regular basis may find it harder to secure promotions or attract quality employees.
Finally, organizations that engage in discriminatory practices may find themselves at risk of legal action.
5 Ways to Protect Yourself
There are ways to protect yourself from discrimination in the workplace. Here are a few tips:
- File a complaint. If you feel that you have been discriminated against, file a complaint with your employer or human resources department. This will help to resolve the issue and could lead to redress or compensation if you are eligible.
- Educate yourself. Learn about your rights and how to protect them at work. The Canadian Human Rights Commission website has information on discrimination in the workplace, as well as tips for filing a complaint.
- Seek legal advice. If you feel that you have been discriminated against in the workplace, consult with a lawyer to learn your rights and what steps you may need to take next.
- Stand up for yourself. If you feel that you have been discriminated against at work, don’t be afraid to speak up. This can help to prevent the situation from getting worse and may lead to redress or compensation if you are eligible.
- Stay calm. If you feel that you are being discriminated against, try to remain calm and respectful. This will likely make the situation more comfortable for all involved and may lead to a resolution.
Additional Resources
Additional resources to help protect yourself from discrimination in the workplace include:
- Knowing Your Rights as an Employee: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) website provides information on your rights as an employee, including protections against discrimination in the workplace.
- Documenting Discrimination: If you experience discrimination in the workplace, document the incident as soon as possible. Keep records of the date, time, place, and individuals involved in the discrimination. If you are unable to resolve the issue through informal channels, contact the NLRB for assistance.
- Speaking Up About Discrimination: If you feel that you have been discriminated against at work, don’t hesitate to speak up. Express your concerns directly to your supervisor or management. If negotiations fail, consider filing a formal complaint with the NLRB.
- Seeking Help from a Professional: If you feel that you are struggling to deal with discrimination in the workplace, consider consulting with a professional. A therapist may be able to provide guidance on how to cope with the emotional impact of discrimination. A lawyer may also be able to provide legal advice if you experience harassment or retaliation at work.
Discrimination in the workplace can often feel like a game you’re either part of the “them” or you’re not. Unfortunately, this type of discrimination has serious consequences for both employees and employers alike. If you are experiencing discrimination in your workplace this article will help you protect yourself.
