Workplace discrimination strongly affects with work environment. It lowers morale, causes conflict and increases turnover. It can also lead to lawsuits. Counteract workplace discrimination as you do your part to make your workplace safe for everyone.
Workplace Discrimination Defined
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines workplace discrimination as any action that treats employees differently because of their race, color, national origin, age, gender, health or religion. Discrimination is prohibited during every phase of employment. Employers cannot violate this federal law as they hire, assign jobs, pay, give benefits to, promote, discipline or fire employees.
Implement Anti-Discrimination Policies
The first step to counteract discrimination and create a unified workplace is to implement anti-discrimination policies. Management should set the tone for the entire workforce and outline acceptable behaviors since employees may not know what discrimination looks like.
Those policies should include details about discrimination such as:
- The official definition of discrimination
- Prohibited behaviors
- Penalties for violating discriminatory policies
- Affirmation that the company will not retaliate against anyone who reports discrimination
Hold Anti-Discrimination Trainings
Regular trainings ensure the entire workforce remains discrimination-free. They should be held at every level for all employees.
During training, employees learn about federal anti-discrimination laws and potential penalties companies face for violations. They should also review workplace policies. If specific cases of discrimination are happening, the training should address those issues via role playing that teaches employees the right way to handle differences. A question and answer session can clarify details.
Know the Procedures for Reporting Discrimination
Every workplace should have a formal process in place for reporting discrimination. It assures employees that the company takes discrimination seriously and is committed to workplace safety.
Employee should all be encouraged to report issues as soon as possible. They should know who to talk to about discrimination, what forms will need to be completed and how to document the discrimination. Also, management needs to reinforce that every discrimination charge will be investigated quickly and thoroughly and that they will take any needed disciplinary action, even if it remains confidential.
Establish Anti-Discrimination Groups
Depending on the size of your company, you can establish anti-discrimination groups. These groups are made of subgroups, including women, minority workers or older employees.
Group members meet together and share their experiences with discrimination. Together, they then suggest solutions that prevent discrimination. Their feedback can create new policies and raise awareness about discrimination and workplace safety.
Workplace diversity and collaboration creates a safe workplace. Understand the anti-discrimination policies in place at your workplace, and make every attempt to get to know your co-workers as you counteract discrimination and protect yourself, your co-workers and your workplace environment.
