Workplace discrimination refers to the unjust and biased treatment of a worker due to their specific characteristics. Under the law, employees are protected against workplace discrimination based on their age, sexual orientation, disability, race, gender, and other protected classes. Particularly, gender discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly because of their gender, sexual preferences, gender orientation, or pregnancy. While gender discrimination generally impacts women and LGBTQ community members, it can also impact men.
Workplace discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of employment including recruitment, pay, termination, job assignments, promotion, and training. Unfortunately, discrimination exists in many workplaces. Those who are a victim of this form of discrimination to seek help from a Carey & Associates, P.C. employment attorney. Below are examples of gender discrimination in workplaces:
Harassment
Workplace harassment based on gender usually targets women, gender non-conforming, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Often, harassers use derogatory terms frequently at female workers and other gender minorities.
Pay Difference
A lot of employees do not embrace transparency when it comes to how much their employees get paid or the basis of their salary decisions. But under the law, employers that have at least fifteen workers should not discriminate against workers based on their color, race, religion, national origin, and sex. Thus, they cannot refuse to hire, terminate, skip over for promotions, demote, or harass a worker based on their protected class.
Pregnancy Discrimination
Some employers do not hire female workers due to their tendency to start families and leave work for a particular period. As a result, female employees can be passed over for senior positions or promotions. Also, a lot of working mothers make less money than male employees, no matter their experience and credentials.
When to Hire an Employment Attorney
Each employee has the right to be successful in the workplace based on their qualifications, hard work, and talents. They should not be confined to imaginary and offensive gender roles. Workplace discrimination based on gender can be deliberate or unintended.
Employees who experience injustices in their workplaces because of their gender should take action right away. They must identify and report cases of discrimination. They can inform their employer or HR about it, as long as these parties do not practice discrimination themselves. Otherwise, the employee can file an internal complaint or file charges with a government body.
Lastly, a victim of gender discrimination in the workplace should speak with an employment attorney who can take their case to court. The victim may be entitled to compensation and the attorney can work out the best resolution for their case.
