The Types of Workplace Discrimination that Warrant the Help of a Lawyer

Workplace discrimination is not new and sometimes we see it as normal. From unfair treatment depending on the race and gender to wrongful termination of the employees for their disabilities, workplace discrimination has a widespread reputation. 

As a result, employees who face this situation, especially those who are victims, feel powerless, helpless, and fear to take legal steps. Are you one of them or do you know someone who has faced such a critical situation at their office? 

This is very common, and many people have faced such a situation in the corporate world. However, if they know that both federal and California state laws provide strong protections against workplace discrimination, they will try to understand their rights. 

Strong protection is needed against various types of discrimination in the workplace. Awareness plays a critical role in managing employees’ rights. Did you know that in Irvine, discrimination claims fall under the jurisdiction of laws such as the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

According to these acts, no employer can discriminate against their employees and take steps following that. The right to work needs to be equal for everyone, and thus you need to understand the types of discrimination in the workplace.

Irvine discrimination lawyer from Aegis Law Firm suggests that every employee should be active and take steps if faced with an unfair situation at the workplace. They handle cases of discrimination through gathering evidence and advocating for their clients in the right path.

Types of Workplace Discrimination

Sometimes, we do not even know that we are treated wrongfully in our workplaces. This happens due to the lack of knowledge on discrimination. Workplace discrimination can be done in various ways, as there is not just one type but many.

Therefore, you need to understand the types of discrimination in the workplace so that you can take steps accordingly. Law is beside you and you just have to go on the right path.

If anyone violates the work environment, how will you understand that? Follow these types and you can identify everything that comes under workplace discrimination.

1. Discrimination Based on Race or Ethnicity

Racism is very common worldwide. Therefore, it is also not new in the work culture. People have racism in their minds, too deeply rooted that it cannot be easily thrown out of them. However, laws are there to fight racism and ethnic discrimination. 

Yes, it might sound weird, but discrimination for skin colour is a big issue in the western countries. In workplaces, employees face critical situations and are treated unfairly due to their race and skin colour. Some common practices in workplaces are-

• Unequal pay
• Mistreatment by colleagues for being of a different race
• Less job opportunities 

Examples of racial or ethnic discrimination include:

• Being passed over for a promotion despite superior qualifications
• Receiving lower wages than coworkers doing the same job
• Facing racial slurs or inappropriate comments from coworkers
• Being unfairly disciplined or terminated based on race or ethnicity

2. Gender and Sex Discrimination

Gender discrimination involves treating an employee unfavorably because of their gender or sex. This includes both men and women being subject to discrimination based on societal gender expectations. Sex discrimination can affect various aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, and promotions.

Examples of gender discrimination include:

• Pay disparities between male and female employees doing the same work
• Denial of job opportunities due to gender stereotypes
• Pregnancy discrimination, where a woman is treated unfairly due to her pregnancy or related medical conditions
• Harassment based on gender identity or sexual orientation

3. Disability Discrimination

People with certain disability issues, mentally or physically, face hardship at their workplace. In most cases, they do not get enough accommodation from the employers. Also, they are treated separately and seen in different eyes from their colleagues. All these factors create a critical situation for the disabled people. 

Fortunately, we have laws like-

• California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This suggests that wrongful treatment or lack of accomodation of the disabled people is a crime and thus businesses must follow strict action to reduce these undue processes. 

Examples of disability discrimination include:

• Failing to provide accommodations like modified work hours or physical adjustments to the workspace
• Firing an employee due to their disability, despite their ability to perform the job with reasonable accommodations
• Making derogatory comments about a person’s disability or health condition
• Segregating or isolating employees with disabilities from others in the workplace

4. Age Discrimination

We know that our world is fast paced and the businesses follow the same pattern to be competitive and profitable. However, experience matters when it comes to working. Therefore, every employee who is also aged is also important for an organization. 

However, this is not how we treat the employees who are aged more than 40. We try to discriminate them in various ways and show them that they are slow, lacking skills, and so on. From an organizational point of view, profit matters, but that does not mean you will discriminate against the aged working people.

Some of the most professional areas manifest unequal hiring process and training opportunities where aged workers are getting dismissed randomly. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) strictly is against this discrimination. 

Examples of age discrimination include:

• Being denied a promotion due to your age
• Being told you are “too old” for a certain position
• Being subjected to comments that belittle or stereotype older employees
• Forced retirement or being pressured to leave due to age

5. Religious Discrimination

Everyone has their own religion and we should respect them all. However, the practical workplace scenarios are different. Some people get treated unfairly due to their religious practices and beliefs. Not everyone is from the same religion and thus they might have different beliefs. But that does not mean they will be treated badly for this reason.

Examples of religious discrimination include:

• Being denied time off for religious holidays or observances
• Being harassed or ridiculed because of your religious beliefs
• Being required to work during religious holidays without proper accommodation
• Having your religious dress or appearance restricted by workplace policies

6. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination

Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal in California and many other states. Employees should be able to work without fear of harassment or retaliation due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Discriminatory actions can include harassment, retaliation, and denial of job opportunities or promotions.

Examples include:

• Being subjected to homophobic or transphobic remarks
• Being denied a job based on sexual orientation or gender identity
• Facing disciplinary actions due to gender nonconformity or identity expression

Conclusion

As you know, workplace discrimination can happen in various ways and take separate forms, you have to take potential steps accordingly. This is not just about you or your future, but many people who are suffering from workplace discrimination.

Everything comes under one umbrella only if you can protect everything from their emotional well-being to financial stability. Laws will always be there! However, if you do not take steps, it will all go in vain. Therefore, better understand workplace discrimination and consult a lawyer who is an expert in this field. Legal action is necessary to change your situation.