Discrimination is the unfair treatment of a person based on the groups or classes to which they belong. When somebody’s characteristics or identities are used against them, it describes discriminatory behavior, and this can happen anywhere.
Unfortunately, discrimination occurs in the workplace by employers and employees alike. Certain employees can be treated unfairly or excluded from certain workplace activities due to a range of different factors.
Common types of discrimination include unfair treatment due to age, disability, language, nationality, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
There are many anti-discrimination laws and legislation to protect employees against unfair treatment. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t thousands of people who are the victims of discrimination inside and outside the workplace every year.
Thankfully, there are things that you can do if you feel that your employer or another employee is treating you unfairly and discriminating against you. From escalating the issue to your manager to contacting a lawyer at HKM.com, here are some key steps to take when you are a victim of workplace discrimination.
Ask the Individual to Stop
Sometimes, simply asking the perpetrator to stop what they are doing is enough. People may not realize that what they are doing is offensive or discriminatory and showing your discomfort might be enough to bring things to a halt.
Some employers and employees are unaware that their current beliefs and actions are discriminatory, but by expressing your feelings, you can educate them. Most people in this situation will be happy to change their behaviors to make you feel more comfortable at work.
Raise the Issue With HR
If the perpetrator fails to stop their discriminatory actions even after you have expressed your feelings, you will need to escalate the issue to your human resources (HR) department. They will be able to resolve the issue in whichever way is necessary.
Depending on the severity of the discrimination, the perpetrator will be moved to another department within the business or dismissed from the company. The HR department will look at the anti-discrimination laws and policies that are in place to make their decision.
Get in Touch with an Employment Lawyer
When the discrimination is severe, and it begins to affect your professional and personal life, legal action must be taken. Hiring an employment attorney will make this process much easier.
An expert employment lawyer will be able to gather information and evidence about the discriminatory behaviors that you have experienced. With the details that you provide, they will then help you to create a claim and take the employer or employee to court.
If you win your case in court, the perpetrator may be dismissed from the workplace due to their actions or fined thousands of dollars. For employers, there is also the risk of a damaged reputation if they are taken to court for discrimination.
