Discrimination in the workplace can manifest itself directly, without even intending to hide it, or through more subtle behaviors that may go unnoticed and, therefore, are not usually addressed as they should be. Below, we present some examples of discriminatory behaviors that you should consider in the workplace and take action if you become a victim of any of them.
1. Direct Harassment:
This involves unwanted behaviors based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. It can include offensive jokes, derogatory comments, intimidation, and unwanted physical contact.
2. Unfair Treatment:
Unfair treatment occurs when someone treats an employee unequally by denying opportunities in hiring processes, promotions, job assignments, training opportunities, disciplinary actions, or wage disparities that often occur based on race or gender.
3. Subtle Aggressions:
Although these may often be unintentional, they convey derogatory messages about a person’s identity. This includes assumptions based on stereotypes about race, sex, nationality, religion, or other characteristics of the victim.
4. Exclusionary Practices:
These can occur when certain workforce members or a single employee are excluded from activities, social events, or professional opportunities.
5. Retaliation:
It occurs when an employer takes punitive measures against an employee for speaking up or reporting the discrimination they are experiencing. These retaliations often take the form of demotion, dismissal, or negative evaluations.
6. Implicit Actions in Hiring Processes:
These are attitudes that influence perceptions and hiring decisions, resulting in unintentional discrimination.
7. Denying Reasonable Accommodations:
This can occur when employers refuse to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or different religious or belief systems, such as modifying tasks or allowing time off for religious practices.
As evident, discrimination in the workplace can take various forms that are easy and not so easy to recognize. By being informed about these discriminatory behaviors, employees can speak up with the confidence that they will be protected, thus fostering an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.