Even though your workplace should be 100 percent free of discrimination, it’s not out of the question that someone could cross the line. Not only will this throw you for a curve in regard to your employment, but it can also affect your personal life and finances.
Understanding the many forms of gender discrimination can help you pinpoint if you’ve become a victim:
- Passed over for a promotion: Just because you’re passed over for a promotion doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a victim of gender discrimination. However, if you didn’t get the job because of your gender identity, it’s critical to learn more about your legal rights in New Jersey.
- Different rules and standards for each gender: For example, your company may provide male employees with much more leeway in regard to following the rules and regulations set forth in the employee handbook.
- Less pay: This is one of the most common forms of gender discrimination. It’s also one that’s easier to identify. If you have the same job responsibilities as a person of the opposite sex but don’t receive equal pay, you may be the victim of gender discrimination.
- Disciplinary action: This can include discipline for a behavior or decision that employees of the opposite sex do all the time without punishment.
- Forced out: Even if you’re not comfortable in your current position as a result of gender discrimination, it doesn’t mean you want to be forced out of the company. There are many ways a company can do this, such as by cutting your pay, constant disciplinary action when it’s not required and giving you fewer responsibilities.
If you suspect gender discrimination, don’t wait a single day to learn more about your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect them. Consider doing the following:
- Review your employment contract and employee handbook
- Collect evidence to back up your claim of gender discrimination
- File a formal complaint with your HR department
It’s your hope that taking these steps brings an end to the issue once and for all. But if it doesn’t, learn more about filing a legal claim against your employer. It’s a big decision, but one you may need to take to protect your employment.
