Discrimination and harassment can take place in many forms in the workplace. There are various laws governing discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, marital status, age, etc. There are state, local, and federal laws protecting various classes of people who are vulnerable to harassment.
If you are an employee in a company and feel discriminated against, you may be scared and confused about what to do. You may think quitting will get rid of the problem, but that is not always the best solution. It becomes your duty to report such cases to protect yourself and others. Talk to a New Jersey discrimination lawyer Ravi Sattiraju, today.
Steps to take when facing discrimination in the workplace– for employees
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Do not quit unless you have to.
What most people do when they are faced with a difficult and unavoidable situation at the workplace is quit their job. If you struggle with discrimination in the workplace, you have legal rights and options. Giving up should not be the first thing you do. You can leave if the environment becomes so hostile that it becomes threatening to your mental and physical health. Still, however, report the incident and get help.
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Know your rights.
The next step is researching about your rights in the workplace. If someone is bothering you, find out what legal actions you can take against them and how. Depending on your profession, residency, and your company, you could be entitled to a number of protections. Start learning about the laws and evaluating the situation.
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Review your company’s anti-discrimination policy.
When you joined the company, your employer may have provided you with the employee handbook or manual. If not, then it must be present somewhere in the office. If there are anti-discriminatory policies mentioned in the handbook and you face discrimination, it could work for your benefit. Your employer becomes liable to take care of the situation.
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Document everything.
Documentation is important to retain proof. If you are experiencing workplace discrimination, get a notebook and write down everything you have experienced till now. Make sure to include dates and as many details as possible. You can write down the specific things said to you. If there are text messages, make sure to keep screenshots. Take photos wherever you can.
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Discuss your issues with your employer.
Inform your employer about the problem and ask to meet with people who have the power to resolve the issue. Explain the situation to them, but make sure not to lie and exaggerate. They can guide you about the steps to take moving forward.
