Workplace Discrimination: 5 Tips for Dealing with It

There are not many words or phrases that send shivers down the backs of employers and employees quite like these two – workplace discrimination.

Television and movies have portrayed workplace discrimination as a brutal and self-evident beast, but it rarely is. Discrimination can take several different forms, and some of those are subtle and not noticeable to everyone.

As many people know, discrimination in the workplace is illegal. If you think you are being discriminated against at work, follow these five tips below for dealing with it:

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• Raise The Alarm

Make your supervisor or manager aware that you feel this way.

Too many illegal acts of discrimination go unpunished because the victim did not speak up. Never be afraid to stand up for yourself or your beliefs.

Your employer is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe working place for every employee. 

Your company will have internal processes for addressing discrimination in the workplace, so all you need to do is follow them.

 

• Keep Records

To let your employer know that you are not backing down, ask for written reports every time you report an incident of harassment or discrimination, no matter how insignificant they deem it to be.

Keep a diary of all the incidents. Record the time, date, locations, witnesses, and details of each occurrence. Keep photos or evidence to prove your allegations – your attorney will use them later.

Your career is now part of your retirement plan down the line, do not let anything get in the way of that.

 

• Stay Off Social Media

Never post about your experiences online.

As angry as you might feel, it is never worth dragging your reputation down online. 

Social media can be the best and worst place to make your case and garner support, but it is not worth blowing up on social media as it could put your entire case in jeopardy.

Contact HKM for advice on how best to move forward with your case.

 

• Indirect Discrimination

Do not think that discrimination has to be noticeable to count.

Indirect discrimination causes just as much pain and anguish and can still be viewed as breaking the law.

For example, not having a wheelchair-accessible office will negatively affect people in wheelchairs. 

The company likely is not doing that on purpose but they need to address their mistakes – even the seemingly neutral ones.

 

• Diversity Audits

Ask your employer to conduct a diversity audit if you feel the results would bring to light issues that need resolving.

Most companies are willing to do the right thing but need a little nudge in the right direction. Speak to your manager or HR department for ways to incorporate diversity programs within the organization.

Discrimination often has a profound effect on employees and their families. A workplace should be a safe space for everyone in it, not just a select few lucky individuals. 

Discrimination is a serious issue and could lead to lawsuits, decreased job satisfaction, and a higher staff turnover. It must be dealt with as quickly as possible before the situation spirals out of control.

 

*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.