Signs of Discrimination in the Workplace

Signs of Discrimination in the Workplace

Everyone deserves to go into a workplace where they feel comfortable and accepted by others. Unfortunately, even in this day and age, discrimination still exists in the workplace. It’s important to recognize when you’re being discriminated against and take the appropriate legal measures. Here are a few signs of discrimination in the workplace.

Asking Inappropriate Questions During the Interview Process

It’s normal for employers to ask job candidates multiple questions to ensure they’re the right fit for the position. However, certain questions are off-limits, including ones about your age, race, and religion. For example, it’s illegal for an employer to ask you where you were born and if you’re a U.S. citizen. Employers may use your answers to these questions to discriminate against you.

Making Offensive Jokes and Comments

Discrimination can also come in the form of offensive jokes and comments. If your boss or co-workers make jokes directed at stereotypes of a protected class, you may be facing discrimination. Even if these jokes come off as light-hearted, they’re still inappropriate and shouldn’t be tolerated.

Unequal Pay

Unequal pay is another type of discrimination that can occur in the workplace. While everyone should be paid fairly based on their education, training, and skills, it doesn’t always work out that way. For example, if you’re a woman who is in the same role as a male co-worker with similar qualifications, you both should be paid the same. If the male employee is paid a higher salary, gender discrimination may be taking place.

Unfair Disciplinary Action

Sometimes employers may discipline certain employees harsher than others. This may be another sign of discrimination. For instance, if you’ve been written up for being a few minutes tardy to work while other employees haven’t received disciplinary action for being tardy, it’s a cause for concern. This is especially true if these employees are of a different gender, age, race, or ethnicity than you.

Overlooked Promotions

Employees who work hard and have the appropriate skill set should have a chance of advancement in the company. If you’ve been giving it your all at work for several years and consistently get passed up for promotions, you may wonder if you’re being discriminated against or not. If someone less qualified receives a promotion instead of you, it may be a sign of discrimination.

If you believe you’re being discriminated against at work, contact an employment litigation lawyer, like one from Eric Siegel Law.