Workplace discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly based on their race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. It can happen in many different ways, including hiring, promotions, pay, training, job assignments, and even termination.
According to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the number of complaints filed with the agency for workplace discrimination reached an all-time high in 2020, with over 24,000 cases reported.
Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms and can have a severe impact on the victim’s mental health, job performance, and overall well-being.
In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to combat workplace discrimination.
Know About Your Workplace Rights
The first step in combating workplace discrimination is to understand your workplace rights. All employees are entitled to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies and procedures on discrimination and harassment and your rights under the law. This will help you recognize discrimination when it occurs and know how to respond.
Report Discrimination
If you experience discrimination in the workplace, it’s essential to report it to your employer. Follow your company’s procedures for reporting discrimination and harassment, and make sure to provide as much detail as possible. Your employer has a legal obligation to investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.
If your employer does not take action to address the discrimination, you can file a complaint with the appropriate government agency, such as the (EEOC) or the labor board in CA and work with a lawyer. These lawyers review the complaints and help both the employer and employee resolve the issues.
Document Instances of Discrimination
Documenting instances of discrimination is a crucial step in combating workplace discrimination. When an employee experiences or witnesses discrimination in the workplace, it’s essential to keep a detailed record of the incident. Documentation can help provide evidence to support your claim, demonstrate a pattern of discriminatory behavior, and provide a clear record of what occurred.
To document instances of discrimination, it’s important to include as much detail as possible. This includes the date, time, location, and names of any witnesses.
Foster Communication
Fostering communication is another crucial step in combating workplace discrimination. Encouraging open and honest communication can help to prevent discrimination by creating a safe space for employees to share their experiences and concerns.
This can include regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and anonymous feedback channels. By fostering communication, you can help to create a workplace where everyone feels heard and valued.
Educate Yourself and Others
Educate yourself on the different types of discrimination and the impact it can have on individuals and society. Share your knowledge with others, and advocate for equal treatment in the workplace.
Encourage your employer to provide diversity training to all employees to promote a culture of inclusivity and respect.
Taking a Quick Recap
Combating workplace discrimination requires awareness, education, and action. Know your workplace rights, document instances of discrimination, report it to your employer, and educate yourself and others.
By taking these steps, you can help create a workplace free from discrimination and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity.