Have you had an unfortunate experience with workplace discrimination?
While many believe that workplace discrimination is an issue of the past, this isn’t the case. It’s important to note that workplace discrimination occurs in many different ways. This includes anything from orientation and gender discrimination to maternal and race discrimination.
To prevent workplace discrimination from happening, it’s best to understand what it means. It’s also crucial to have a firm grasp of the various forms in which it can present itself.
If you want to learn more about workplace discrimination, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering seven workplace discrimination examples that are present in today’s work environments.
1. Sexual Orientation Discrimination
This type of discrimination involves passing judgment or harassment due to sexual orientation. It may also involve treating an employee unfairly or alienating them.
In most cases, the suffering party happens to be the LGBTQ population. In fact, 90 percent of LGBTQ people report having experienced workplace discrimination.
Many work environments are striving to become more inclusive of the LGBTQ community. However, many LGBTQ employees continue to face countless hurdles at work. For many, this comes in terms of opportunity, negative assumptions and bias.
This type of discrimination can also be reflected in employee health benefits. Some LGBTQ employees are granted fewer health benefits than their heterosexual co-workers.
2. Pregnancy/Maternal Discrimination
For many working mothers, maternal discrimination is a harsh reality in the workplace.
Many employees will choose to assign working mothers with minimal tasks. These are tasks that are typically less important and less time-consuming. Some employers also believe that mothers will be reluctant to work late or overtime hours.
In most cases, this is a result of assuming that an employee’s job is to tend to the family. This prejudice can impact a woman’s ability to be taken seriously in the workplace. It may also hinder their opportunity to be considered a valuable team member.
3. Religious Discrimination
Religious discrimination involves treating an employee differently as a result of their religion. For many, this may also include the religious beliefs of their immediate family or spouse.
Each and every employee deserves to have their faith respected. Employers should also make a reasonable effort to accommodate all religious beliefs. This may come in the form of scheduled time off, food and drink options as well as spiritual practices.
While many employers will accommodate these practices, it’s not always without negative consequences. As a result, employees of certain religions may be mistreated or alienated for.
4. Age Discrimination
Whether you’re too old or too young, age is a common factor in workplace discrimination.
Some working environments consider employees above the age of forty to be too old. For these employees, it’s commonly assumed that they are more prone to disability or will be retiring soon.
On the other hand, some working environments hesitate to hire employees under the age of 21. With young employees, the assumption is that they are inexperienced and unable to take the job seriously.
Regardless of age, all employees should be considered for positions based off of their skill levels and ability.
5. Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination is the unfair treatment of an employee based on their gender.
This can include anything from gender-based pay gaps to unfair treatment of a certain gender. In many working environments, this may also come in the form of favoritism or bias toward one gender.
Far too often, women working in predominantly male working environments are made to feel uncomfortable. This often comes in the form of being sexualized or alienated from the rest of the team.
Sexual harassment is another common category of gender discrimination. This may include making employees feel uncomfortable and unsafe because of their gender.
6. Racial Discrimination
In today’s environment, racial discrimination is one of the most common discrimination cases. In fact, this type of discrimination makes up for over 34 percent of all discrimination cases today.
Racial discrimination may be making assumptions or casting prejudice on one’s race. It can also involve treating an employee poorly because of their race. Race may include color, nationality or ethnic background.
A company may resist hiring employees from a certain country based on certain assumptions. These assumptions may include anything from certain countries producing poor-quality to untrustworthy people. In this example, the employee’s skill and experience are entirely overlooked as a result of their race.
It’s also important to note that racial discrimination can come in the form of making assumptions about one’s race.
7. Physical Discrimination
For many, physical discrimination comes in form of physical disabilities. This may be anything from being limited in a wheelchair to conditions such as blindness or deafness.
This may also come in the form of not having an accessible workplace. Today, employers must make a reasonable effort to accommodate all levels of ability.
If you have experienced this level of discrimination, it’s imperative that it’s taken seriously. Be sure to contact a trusted law firm to understand what type of legal action is best for the situation.
Workplace Discrimination Examples
It’s crucial to have a firm understanding of the different workplace discrimination examples.
Being aware of these different forms of discrimination is the best way to ensure it doesn’t happen at your workplace. This may include sexual orientation and gender discrimination to age and religious discrimination.
While discrimination laws help to protect against discrimination, it’s not a perfect solution. Instead, it’s best to continue to educate your employees on the realities of workplace discrimination.
If you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, it may be worth talking to a lawyer. Before taking that step, it’s important to ensure that you’re informed. Be sure to read our guide that outlines what to do before taking legal action for the best tips.