Workplace discrimination can take many forms, and none of them are simple to address. Depending on the severity of the violation an employee experiences, remedies may vary greatly, but no discrimination claim is likely to succeed without careful planning and execution.
If you believe that you suffer discrimination in the workplace, then you have some important work to do, both in building your claim and in addressing the matter properly in the workplace. If you have concerns about how to move forward, an experienced attorney can help you look closely at the details of your experience and your employers’ actions or negligence in the matter. You may have a number of legal tools you can use to protect your rights and make the workplace safer for all workers.
Begin by communicating clearly with your employer
While it may not seem fair, employers are not usually responsible for identifying discrimination in the workplace, only for complying with the laws that govern what is and is not discriminatory. If you believe you experience discrimination in the workplace, then it is important to report it to your employer immediately. If the employer does not acknowledge or respond appropriately, then you may have to take further action.
You should ask your employer for a written report of the incident and their response to the matter. You may also request that the employer investigate the matter and take action to address it fairly with the offending party. Among other things, employers must act promptly on complaints of discrimination.
Keep notes and other evidence of harassment
If you experience harassment, you should always write down what happened as soon as you can. If discrimination continues, you should document the matter consistently and keep the records together.
In some cases, there may be physical items involved in the harassment. It is always wise to photograph these items with your phone and keep them as evidence, if possible.
Review your employer’s discrimination policies
It is wise to know exactly what is outlined in your employer’s in-house policies on discrimination. Not only does this shed light on what you can expect from your employer’s response to the allegations, you may identify guidelines or policies that do not align with the law.
If your employer does not respond appropriately to your reports of harassment, you may need to consider filing a lawsuit to enforce acceptable behavior in the workplace and protect your rights. An experienced attorney can help you assemble a case and defend your rights to seek fair compensation for your experiences, making your workplace safer for yourself and others.