Workplace discrimination comes in many forms. If you suspect you’re a victim of this behavior, it’s important to learn more about your legal rights. The steps you take upfront will have a major impact on what happens in the future.
Since you may not be familiar with workplace discrimination, it’s important to answer some key questions. Here are several to help put you on the right track:
- Are there laws in place to protect against workplace discrimination? In addition to state laws, there are many federal anti-discrimination laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Family Medical Leave Act.
- What’s the best way to know if your employer is discriminating against you? Since there are many forms of workplace discrimination, there’s no one way to determine if you’re the victim of workplace discrimination. The best thing you can do is watch for potential signs of discrimination, and then take notes to back up your claim.
- What steps should you take? It’s one thing to believe you’re the victim of workplace discrimination, but another thing entirely to protect your legal rights. Doing so starts with reporting the issue to your employer. This is why it’s so important to document the behavior. If that doesn’t work, consider contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a state agency for help.
There is never a time when workplace discrimination is acceptable. This holds true both for employees and job candidates.
If you have any reason to believe you’re the victim of workplace discrimination, don’t stay quiet. Take steps to protect your legal rights and to hold your employer responsible.
