What to Do if You Experience Discrimination at Work

Despite significant strides made in the legal system and society, workplace discrimination remains an issue for many. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), more than 73,000 discrimination complaints are filed each year, with race, disability, and sex being among the most common grounds. Despite these numbers, many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation or lack of awareness. The persistence of workplace discrimination is still pervasive, so it’s important for everyone to know how to recognize the signs of workplace discrimination and what to do should they encounter it.

Have you or a loved one experienced workplace discrimination? Find out what you can do.

The Most Common Types of Workplace Discrimination

According to the EEOC, these are the most common types of workplace discrimination (as of 2022):

• Race and Color Discrimination: Treating someone unfavorably because of their skin color or racial characteristics (34.2% of total complaints). 
• Disability Discrimination: Failing to provide reasonable accommodation or discriminating against someone with a disability (34% of total complaints). 
• Sex and Gender Discrimination: Unequal treatment based on gender, including issues related to pregnancy or sexual orientation (27% of total complaints). 
• Religious Discrimination: Unfair treatment due to religious beliefs, practices, or requests for accommodation (18.8% of total complaints). 
• Age Discrimination: Prejudice against individuals, typically those over 40, in hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions (15.6% of total complaints). 
• National Origin Discrimination: Discrimination based on a person’s country of origin, ethnicity, accent, or language (7.5% of total complaints). 
• Equal Pay: Discrimination based on a person not receiving the same pay for the same work (1.3% of total complaints). 

How to Recognize Workplace Discrimination

Recognizing discrimination in the workplace begins with understanding what to look for. Discriminatory acts can be covert or subtle. Careful attention needs to be paid to a person’s actions, words, intent, and even gestures. The most telltale signs of workplace discrimination include:

Consistent Unequal Treatment 

This can include being overlooked for promotions, raises, or important projects without a valid reason. Other signs can include receiving significantly lower pay compared to colleagues with similar roles and qualifications, or experiencing exclusion from meetings, training sessions, or team projects relevant to your position.

Harassment 

Harassment comes in many forms and can be verbal, physical, or emotional. Signs of harassment at work include enduring offensive remarks, jokes, or physical intimidation related to a protected characteristic. You can also experience unwelcome sexual advances or comments or be subjected to bullying or intimidation tactics based on your personal characteristics.

Isolation or Exclusion 

Some employees are deliberately isolated from meetings, discussions, or social events. Look for noticeable segregation of employees by race, gender, or other protected characteristics in job assignments or work areas.

Unfavorable Job Assignments

Just because you’re being given work doesn’t mean you aren’t on the receiving end of discrimination. You could be consistently getting less favorable tasks or schedules compared to colleagues without a legitimate reason. You could also be given workloads that are unmanageably high compared to colleagues or set up for failure.

Unfair Discipline 

Are you receiving harsher disciplinary actions than colleagues for similar issues or mistakes? Have you noticed a pattern of certain groups being more frequently or severely disciplined? These can also be signs of workplace discrimination.

Are You Experiencing Workplace Discrimination? Here’s What to Do

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, locations, and witnesses. 
• Report the Incident Internally: Follow your company’s procedure for reporting discrimination, typically starting with HR. 
• Seek Support from a Peer: Consider talking to a trusted colleague, supervisor, or a mental health professional. 
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with federal and state discrimination laws. The EEOC website is a good starting point. 
• Formally File a Complaint: If internal resolution fails, file a complaint with the EEOC or your state’s fair employment agency. 
• Consult an Attorney: If the situation escalates or is not adequately addressed, consult with a workplace discrimination attorney specializing in employment law.

Working with an Attorney on Your Workplace Discrimination Case

Experiencing discrimination at work can be demoralizing and harmful. However, recognizing the signs of discrimination and knowing the steps to take to address it can empower you to stand up for your rights. Whether through internal channels or with the assistance of an attorney, it’s important to address discrimination not only for your own well-being but to help ensure a fair and respectful workplace for everyone. 

Remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources that can guide and support you through this tough time. One of those is a workplace discrimination attorney at Morelli Law. We take a collaborative approach to your incident. From our initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we are with you all the way. We will explain your legal options, potential outcomes, and the process ahead, and we’re never afraid to go to court.

We have experience in employment law and a track record of handling discrimination cases, and we’re prepared to handle yours as well. Get in touch with our team today for a free consultation.