Discrimination in the Workplace Can Impact Employee Health
A recent study has found that experiencing bias or discrimination at work can be incredibly detrimental to employees’ well-being, leading to increased frustration, stress, depression and helplessness. A full sixty percent of study participants stated that they had no effective means to manage these incidents of discrimination, which they believed happened regularly. Two-thirds of those surveyed stated that this type of treatment had a “large impact” on both their engagement and commitment to the organization.
The study involved an interview of 500 people, and involved asking them about their experiences with workplace bias. It found that there were seven common types of discrimination or bias:
- Lacking Credibility: Employees were interrupted or discounted, or were excluded entirely from meetings;
- Inappropriate Comments Framed as “Jokes:” Co-workers and supervisors made offensive statements and then stated that they were only joking;
- “Indirect” Inappropriate Comments: Co-workers and supervisors made offensive statements about others, such as customers, or made offensive comments outside of the workplace;
- Hiding Identities: Employees were warned against expressing themselves, including gender identity or sexual orientation;
- Feeling Unwelcome: Employees were excluded from work and social gatherings;
- Critiquing Behavior: Supervisors and co-workers made more pointed criticisms of women, minorityand older employees, such as they were too aggressive, lack presence, or that they do not fit into the culture, while welcoming the same type of behavior from young white male employees; and
Unequal Punishment and Scrutiny: Managers and co-workers scrutinized and punished employees unequally.
While most of these behaviors are viewed as more “subtle” types of discrimination, as a seasoned discrimination attorney can explain that they can form a pattern that can demonstrate a hostile work environment. Nearly half of the respondents stated that this type of treatment occurred regularly in the workplace, with sixty-six percent stating that it impacted their morale and motivation to work.
When incidents such as the ones described above happen above, they may seem to be insufficient to form the basis of an employment case. When viewed in isolation, that may be true. However, when considered as a whole, this type of treatment may be considered a hostile work environment if the behavior rises to a severe or pervasive level, and the treatment is based on an employee’s protected trait, such as race, gender, religion or age.
Incidents of bias, such as being excluded from meetings, being the subject of inappropriate comments or jokes, being made to hide your identity, or being subject to unequal treatment, can all show a pattern of discriminatory treatment. These cases can be complex, and require the skill and knowledge of an experienced discrimination attorney.
At PLBH, our attorneys know how difficult it is to face this type of treatment at work. We are dedicated to helping our clients obtain justice, and will work with you to find the best possible outcome for your situation. Contact us today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how our team of experienced discrimination attorneys can assist you.