Employees have the right to a safe work environment. An employee who suffers from targeted comments, stalking or harassment may be suffering from discrimination.
Discrimination takes many forms. Here are 6 you should know about:
Age
An employee could face discrimination if they are 40 years of age or older. Many companies believe that older employees should be replaced with younger workers because they are faster and able to learn new skills.
Race
Many people of different races face workplace discrimination. An employee could suffer from racial stereotypes, for example. Or, workers who have unique hair textures and are asked to conform to dress policies could face hair discrimination.
Disability
A disability can make it harder for employees to do their jobs at the same pace as others. An employer may discriminate against an employee with a disability by prohibiting accommodations. Comments that target the employee’s disability could also be seen as ableism.
Gender
Many employees are boxed into roles because of their gender. For example, a female employee may not get the same salary or raise as a male employee even if they do the same work. This kind of social barrier is often referred to as a glass ceiling.
Religion
Businesses often have many employees with different religious beliefs. An employee who is harassed because of their religious differences is suffering from discrimination. Discrimination can also happen if an employee is prohibited from practicing their religion.
Pregnancy
Women who are expecting a child may be fired or not hired because of their pregnancy. Likewise, pregnant women can’t have their pay reduced because they are expectant. Pregnancy discrimination can encompass gender, disability and sex discrimination.
If you or someone you know is a victim of workplace discrimination, then learning about your legal options may help you or your colleague take appropriate steps to create a safer work environment.