Employers should promote an environment where everyone is treated fairly and equally. However, that’s not always the case. Whether from peers or from supervisors, discrimination makes a workplace hostile. Employees can experience overt or subtle types of this illegal action, and while they exist in many forms, these are the most common.

What Types of Discrimination Do Employees Often Face?

1. Retaliation

This is the most common form of discrimination, as it can happen to anyone and for a multitude of reasons. An employee may be illegally punished for an action they took. For example, a worker may lodge a sexual harassment complaint, lobby for equal or more pay, or a safer working environment. 

They may also take common actions, like applying for maternity leave or filing for workers’ compensation if injured on the job. The employer reacts by wrongfully terminating the employee or creating a hostile working environment as a way to deter others from taking similar actions.

2. Gender & Sexual Orientation

These related forms of discrimination have been levied against many companies. Women and members of the LGBTQ+ community should not have to tolerate a workplace that accepts offensive comments, harassment, unwanted touching, or assault.

However, illegal actions may also be more subtle. Some employees will be excluded from company events or be overlooked for promotions despite their qualifications. 

The tasks of the job may also be affected. Those experiencing discrimination might have their work given to other employees or be relegated to condescending jobs, such as preparing coffee or keeping the office kitchen clean. 

3. Racism

Issues of racism in the workplace is still an unfortunately common occurrence, with 43% of Americans experiencing or witnessing this form of discrimination. Acts of racism can be subtle or overt. Employees of one race may receive special treatment from the company while others are denied those privileges. Tasks may be assigned based on race, and a company might only hire or promote members of one race over the other despite their skills or performance. Like gender and sexual orientation discrimination, those experiencing racism may be the target of offensive jokes and language. 

4. Ageism 

As technology advances, many companies look to hire younger applicants with the idea that they’re more proficient with programs and applications or are easier to teach than those from generations before them. In some cases, older employees will be fazed out of the company or pushed to retire earlier than they would prefer to make more room for younger candidates. 

Discrimination is unacceptable in any form it takes. If you have experienced it, reach out to Charles H. Brower and Associates, A Law Corporation. Their seasoned attorneys will treat you with the compassion you need and your case with the seriousness it deserves. They will fight to see that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions. For more information on their practice areas, visit their website. If you’re in the Honolulu, HI, area, call (808) 526-2688 to schedule a consultation.