Employment Discrimination Lawyer
Discrimination in the workplace can take on many forms and can happen to anyone regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. As an employee, it’s essential to understand what discrimination is and how to recognize it in the workplace. Let’s discuss five things every employee should know regarding discrimination in the workplace.
- Know What Discrimination Is
Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment of an individual or group based on their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic. Discrimination can take on many forms, including exclusion from opportunities, different standards, lack of support, negative comments, and unequal treatment. Knowing what discrimination looks like and how it manifests is critical.
- Know the Law
Employment discrimination is illegal under federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Equal Pay Act. These laws protect employees from discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, and other employment-related decisions. Knowing the law is crucial to understanding your rights as an employee and what actions you can take if you experience discrimination in the workplace. Of course, it’s also good to keep in mind that you may not be able to learn everything when it comes to the law. As such, when dealing with workplace discrimination, you can call an experienced attorney.
- Document Everything
If you experience discrimination in the workplace, it’s essential to document everything. Keep a record of any incidents, including the date, time, location, and people involved. Document any potential signs of workplace discrimination, including verbal or discrimination expressed in emails, phone calls, etc.
Documentation can help you remember the details of what happened and provide evidence if you need to make a complaint to your supervisor or HR department.
- Report Discrimination
If you experience discrimination in the workplace, it’s essential to report it. Talk to your supervisor or HR department and provide them with your documentation. They have a legal obligation to investigate any complaints of discrimination and take appropriate action.
If you’re not comfortable speaking to your supervisor or HR department, consider talking to a coworker, a union representative, or an employment lawyer. Sometimes, discrimination can even come directly from a supervisor or manager, but working with a neutral third party can resolve this issue.
- Take Care of Yourself
Experiencing discrimination in the workplace can be stressful and emotionally draining. It’s essential to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental and physical health. Talk to friends or family members about what you’re going through, and seek professional help if you need it.
Consider taking time off from work or talking to your supervisor about adjusting your workload if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Discrimination in the workplace is never your fault, and you should never feel guilty about pursuing other job opportunities or even exploring legal help.
In conclusion, discrimination in the workplace can have a significant impact on employees’ mental and physical health and their ability to do their job effectively. It’s essential to know what discrimination is and how to recognize it in the workplace, understand the law, document everything, report discrimination, and take care of yourself. Remember, discrimination is illegal, and it’s essential to take action to address it. Working with an employment discrimination lawyer is also a solution — something our friends at Disparti Law Group agree with.