How to Know if You are Being Discriminated Against in the Workplace

WorldExecutivesDigest | How to Know if You are Being Discriminated Against in the Workplace | Your workplace is supposed to be a safe place. And that doesn’t mean that you should only be safe from physical threats. While that is, of course, important, your workplace should also be a safe space for you in the sense that you aren’t experiencing any type of discrimination or behavior that makes you uncomfortable.

Sometimes, however, we doubt ourselves. You might be unsure of whether you are actually being discriminated against or not. While these types of situations can vary, there are a few signs that you are being discriminated against at work, and we’re here to discuss some of them. 

You were unfairly dismissed

Every day, thousands of people lose their jobs. Often, this job loss is justified – perhaps the employee did something wrong, or the company can’t afford to keep as many employees and so they need to let some people go. 

However, it can also be the case that you were unfairly dismissed. If you suspect that you were dismissed because of prejudice or discrimination, you should see a lawyer. And if you’re not sure if you were unfairly dismissed, you can have a look at some examples of unfair dismissal. 

You get passed over for opportunities

People can discriminate against others based on various factors. Some common types of discrimination include racial and age discrimination, as well as discrimination against someone based on their religion or sexuality. 

However, other types of discrimination also exist. If you think that you deserve more opportunities – like the chance to apply for a promotion – and that the only reason you aren’t getting these opportunities is because you are part of a minority, it could be because of discrimination. 

Keep in mind that many workplaces try to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, so if you get passed over for an opportunity, it might also just be because you’re not the right fit for the job. 

You are being harassed

Of course, if you find yourself in a toxic work environment, it’s also often a sign that you are being discriminated against. 

Sometimes, this discrimination is clear – such as if someone calls you a slur, or makes sexual comments about you. Other times, it’s more subtle, which is referred to as a micro-aggression. Either way, if you are being harassed, you should seriously consider making a formal complaint against the person who is harassing you. 

You are being treated unfairly 

Sometimes, people discriminate against others by treating them differently. If you notice that some coworkers are receiving special treatment even though they do the same job as you, it could, once again, be due to discrimination. 

If this is the case, you should also consider lodging a complaint, or trying other ways of standing up for yourself. 

However, before you take any drastic steps, you need to be completely sure that you are actually being discriminated against. If you are uncertain of whether this is the case, it might be worthwhile to schedule a meeting so that everyone can discuss how they feel about the situation.