You try to ignore it at first, hoping that your suspicions are wrong. However, as the days turn to weeks, you’re surer than ever that you’re a victim of workplace discrimination.
If you suspect workplace discrimination, it’s critical to take immediate action to protect your employment and legal rights. Here are some things you should do:
- Report the incident to your employer: Let them know what happened, while also explaining your concerns. By getting the incident out into the open, you increase the likelihood of a resolution.
- Collect evidence: You don’t want your discrimination claim to turn into a “he said, she said” situation. The more evidence you collect, the easier it is to prove that you were a victim of discrimination.
- Review your employee handbook: It’s here that you’ll find your company’s anti-discrimination policy, including the steps to take if you believe you’re a victim.
- Get the government involved: You hope to be able to work things out on your own, but there may come a point when you need government intervention. The best way to do this is to file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
With workplace discrimination taking on so many forms, it’s possible you’re a victim or could become one in the future.
Rather than let your employer get away with this, discuss your concerns and implement a plan of action. Depending on how things unfold, you may need to take additional steps to protect your legal rights and employment status. Neglecting to do so can put your job in jeopardy, which will impact your life in many ways.