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Many employees prioritize a healthy and happy workplace. This is one of the factors that can make working 40 hours a week easier, especially if they are surrounded by like-minded coworkers. However, this can all be ruined if there is one individual discriminating against you.
This person’s treatment of you might be physical or verbal, and you will likely begin to feel isolated at times, especially if the harassment has gone on for a long time. It will feel unfair, being discriminated against for something out of your control, and you will want to find a way to resolve such a situation.
Whether you are experiencing gender discrimination, racial discrimination, or discrimination from another protected characteristic at work, you will need to know how to report it. This post outlines four of the key steps to do so.
Record All Incidents of Discrimination
When you are planning to report discrimination, you need to gather evidence to prove the truth in your accusations. This should be started at the first sign of discrimination to ensure you collect enough proof. The information of all incidents you record should be very detailed; this will add credibility to your allegations.
There are numerous aspects of the incidents to keep note of, such as the date, location, time, and names of any witnesses. It is also wise to try to describe the events as objectively as you can, and then you can add some notes about how you felt before, during, and after the discrimination took place. If the discrimination was verbal, you should take care to note down what was said word-for-word.
All notes you keep regarding these incidents should be stored outside of the workplace. You should also keep a copy of all forms of communication that you receive, if you perceive them to be discriminatory. This will include emails, memos, text messages, etc.
Attempt Informal Resolution
With your evidence gathered, you can then bring it to your manager or human resources representative, if you feel comfortable doing so. This does not need to be a formal meeting at first, although that might be necessary at a later date. The informal meeting could stop the discrimination you are facing if your superiors act accordingly.
During the meeting, you can show the records you have collected of all past incidents. This, as well as what is discussed in the meeting, should be recorded for your own peace of mind. It will likely end with a plan of action for what happens next; this might be speaking with your alleged harasser or handing out a more severe punishment.
Write a Formal Complaint
If the informal resolution does not prove useful, then you should follow your employer’s procedures to make a formal complaint. Most companies will have their internal complaint procedures and anti-discrimination policies, which will outline the consequences of discrimination, and you should become familiar with these throughout this situation. In most cases, this will include writing a formal complaint.
Your formal complaint should clearly state the facts of your situation. This will include identifying the discriminatory actions that you have experienced and any supporting evidence that you can provide. With the complaint written, you must file it correctly in line with your employer’s procedures.
Seek External Assistance
Unfortunately, there is a chance that the formal complaint procedure will also fail to provide a satisfactory resolution. If this is the case, then there are multiple external resources to make use of. You could complain to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This organization protects workers from discrimination by enforcing federal laws.
However, while some people will prefer to contact their trade unions if they are a member or the EEOC, others might want to pursue legal action. Employment lawyers will require a consultation with you to discuss the discrimination you are facing and the actions that could resolve it.
You might also benefit from seeking support from your family and friends.
To conclude, there are several steps that you must follow if you are experiencing discrimination in the workplace. If you would like to resolve the issue, the four tips outlined in this post will help you report the mistreatment effectively.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.