Workplace discrimination is unfortunately very commonplace across the US. It can take obvious forms, but also more subtle forms that are harder to spot. It’s important that you can recognize what is legally classed as discrimination so that you can take action early and seek justice. This not only limits harm but helps discourage future discrimination, creating a fair and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued. Below are seven of the most common types of workplace discrimination and how to identify them.
Race discrimination
Race discrimination is unfair treatment based on someone’s ethnicity, skin color or national origin. This can include blatant forms of racism such as using slurs. However, it can also include giving unfair privileges to certain employees – such as repeatedly denying a qualified Asian American employee a promotion in favor of less qualified white colleagues.
Religious discrimination
This type of discrimination involves targeting individuals for their religious beliefs. It could include denying a Muslim employee the opportunity to pray or not allowing a Sikh employee to wear a turban. It can also include discriminating employees for expressing atheist views.
Gender discrimination
When an employee is unfairly treated due to their gender, this is classed as gender discrimination. Women are more likely to face this type of discrimination – especially when it comes to matters of pay – but men can face discrimination too. Those who are transgender or non-binary can also commonly face discrimination. It is important to stand up for other employees who you think may be facing this prejudice.
Sexual orientation discrimination
Unfair treatment due to being gay or a lesbian is also a form of discrimination to be wary of. It can include a wide range of behaviours from derogatory remarks to not allowing a same-sex couple the same spousal company benefits as an opposite sex couple.
Age discrimination
Age discrimination involves unfair treatment based on one’s age. It mostly affects employees over 40, but can also be directed towards younger employees by older employees. What is an example of age discrimination? Overlooking a 55-year old employee for a tech position because they are ‘too old’, while hiring a younger employee that shows less knowledge of the field, could be classed as age discrimination. Forcing employees to retire when they are capable and healthy also classes as age discrimination.
Disability discrimination
This involves denying a qualified employee opportunities or mistreating them because of a disability. An example of this discrimination could include an employer refusing to hire a qualified disabled employee to work in a certain department because they do not want to install a wheelchair ramp, or not providing a disabled employee with the same pay as an able-bodied employee.
Pregnancy discrimination
Finally, there is pregnancy discrimination. This involves unfair treatment to women undergoing pregnancy, childbirth or the early stages of motherhood such as demoting them or not letting them return to work. It can also include denying pregnant women necessary privileges such as not allowing them to take time off work for appointments or requiring them to still do manual work. While us men don’t have to worry about this form of discrimination, it is important to look out for pregnant female colleagues who may be experiencing it, or to make sure a pregnant partner is not facing unfair treatment.
