Workplace discrimination can take many forms, some obvious and some more subtle. Despite being illegal, workplace discrimination happens and often goes unnoticed.
In 2022 alone, 73,485 charges of workplace discrimination were filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), 19% more than the number received in 2021. This suggests that rather than declining, workplace discrimination is becoming more common.
Depending on your case, you may need an LGBT discrimination lawyer or one that helps you seek redress over discrimination based on your gender, race, age, disability, and even religion. In this article, you learn about the different types of discrimination that can occur so you can identify them and take action if needed.
Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination happens when you receive unfair treatment because of your gender. This can be very obvious, like pay inequality between a man and a woman who do the same job.
However, it can also be more subtle, such as when women get overlooked for promotions or when their ideas get dismissed in meetings. It can also be in everyday things like asking women to handle tasks like making coffee or taking notes, regardless of their role.
If you suspect gender discrimination, gather evidence of pay disparities or unfair treatment. Legal action can help ensure equal pay and opportunities.
Racial Discrimination
Race discrimination is one of the most common in an ethnically heterogeneous society. It involves treating someone unfairly because of their race or ethnicity. This can range from racial slurs to getting passed over for jobs or promotions because of your race.
Ask yourself:
- Are people of my race/ethnicity underrepresented in leadership roles?
- Am I getting a different treatment than my colleagues of other races?
If your answer to these questions is “yes,” start keeping a record of discriminatory comments or actions. This can be important if you decide to pursue a legal claim for racial discrimination.
Age Discrimination
Age discrimination happens when an employee gets treated unfairly because of their age. While this often affects older workers, often 40+ years old, younger employees can also be targets.
Age discrimination might be blatant, like hearing you’re “too old” for a role. Or, it could be more subtle, like not getting included in training opportunities. Document instances where you feel age was a factor in unfair treatment. Age discrimination laws protect both older and younger employees.
Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination occurs when an employee with a disability is treated unfairly. It may involve refusing to provide reasonable accommodations, such as ramps for convenient entry and exit.
It could be less obvious, like being excluded from company events because they are not accessible. Your co-workers or managers could also be guilty of making assumptions about what tasks you can handle. If you have evidence to back up your claims of disability discrimination, you may have a strong case for disability discrimination.
Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Sexual orientation discrimination happens when someone gets unfair treatment because of their sexual orientation, whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual. This could be direct, like harassment or exclusion from team activities.
Taking Action
You don’t have to face discrimination alone. If you believe you’re a victim of workplace discrimination, here are some steps you can take:
- Keep a record of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, discriminatory comments or actions, and the persons involved.
- Report the discrimination to your HR department. The HR department has a requirement to investigate claims of discrimination.
- If the issue isn’t resolved internally, consider speaking with a lawyer who specializes in employment or discrimination law for the best line of action or legal redress.
