Employment discrimination is illegal, but that does not stop it from happening in workplaces across the country.
The only way to combat this issue is to know how to recognize discrimination.
Unpleasant communication
If your employer or co-workers participate in aggressive or demeaning communication, making offensive remarks about gender, race or disability, that is discrimination and potential harassment. When it occurs consistently, it can create a hostile work environment. Your employer cannot retaliate against you for reporting it.
Unfair pay and promotions
Most employees do not know that employers cannot tell them not to discuss their pay with co-workers. This is a tactic some use to hide unequal pay practices. Additionally, all employees deserve a fair opportunity for promotions. Passing over experienced and qualified employees to give higher positions to someone less qualified is another sign that the employer is discriminatory.
Unreasonable disciplinary actions
Retaliation for complaining about discrimination, wage inequality or harassment is a perfect example of unreasonable disciplinary action. Employers cannot punish their employees for reporting misconduct. Similarly, they cannot fire or retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim after sustaining an injury on the job.
Lack of diversity
One of the more apparent signs of employment discrimination is a lack of diversity among employees. A homogeneous staff, especially in larger companies, is can indicate cultural discrimination. Companies with diverse staff show an appreciation for different values and worldviews.
Employees have the right to a workplace free of harassment and discrimination, and employment law allows them an avenue to hold violators responsible.