Workplace discrimination can be difficult to identify if you do not fully understand what it is. If you have been feeling uncomfortable at work or you believe that you have needlessly missed out on promotion opportunities, it is important that you take a step back and reflect upon the way you are treated and whether it could constitute discrimination.
There are several warning signs of office environments that are discriminatory in nature. Discrimination in the workplace is defined as treating employees unfairly based upon a characteristic that is protected by law. This could be your age, gender, disability, race or religion. The following are some of the ways you can become aware of inherent discrimination in your workplace.
You are asked inappropriate questions in your job interview
Legally speaking, employers are prohibited from asking certain questions in a job interview. For example, they cannot ask whether you intend to get pregnant in the future, and they cannot ask questions about your disability that are not directly relevant to the role you are interviewing for. If you receive inappropriate questions such as these in your job interview, you may be able to make a claim against the employer.
Inappropriate jokes are made in the workplace
The working environment needs to be one in which everyone is made to feel comfortable. If jokes are made that are racist, sexist or are made to make other employees feel uncomfortable, this can be a form of harassment in the workplace.
It is important that you stand up for your right to be treated fairly in the workplace and that you take action when you feel it is appropriate.
