Understanding discrimination in the workplace and how to prevent it

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Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, including gender, race, age, disability, and sexual orientation discrimination. It can lead to a hostile work environment, reduced productivity, and even legal action. It is important for employers and employees to understand the various types of discrimination and how to prevent it.

Types of Discrimination

  • Age Discrimination.
  • Disability Discrimination.
  • Sexual Orientation.
  • Status as a Parent.
  • Religious Discrimination.
  • National Origin.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Race, Color and Sex
  • Reprisal / Retaliation

One common type of discrimination is gender discrimination. This can manifest in unequal pay, lack of promotions, and a hostile work environment. To prevent gender discrimination, employers can establish clear policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment, conduct regular training sessions for employees on how to recognize and report discrimination, and create a culture of inclusion and respect in the workplace.


Another type of discrimination is race discrimination. This can include bias against people of certain races or ethnicities, as well as microaggressions such as stereotyping and exclusion. To prevent race discrimination, employers can establish clear policies and practices for hiring, promotion, and pay that are based on objective criteria, conduct regular diversity and inclusion training for employees, and create a work environment that celebrates diversity and promotes cultural understanding.

Employers can also take steps to prevent discrimination based on age, disability, and sexual orientation. This can include providing accommodations for employees with disabilities, establishing clear policies for preventing age discrimination, and ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity regardless of their sexual orientation.

In conclusion, discrimination in the workplace can have serious consequences for employees and employers alike. By understanding the various forms of discrimination and taking proactive steps to prevent it, employers can create a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and productive for all employees. 

Impact of Discrimination

  • Individual impact: Discrimination can have a negative impact on an individual's self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being. It can also limit their opportunities for education, employment, and career advancement.
  • Organizational impact: Discrimination can lead to a hostile work environment, decreased productivity, and high turnover rates. It can also result in legal action, negative publicity, and damage to the organization's reputation.
  • Societal impact: Discrimination can perpetuate systemic inequality and marginalization of certain groups, leading to social unrest and conflict. It can also limit the potential of individuals and society as a whole by preventing the full participation and contribution of all members.

Source : https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2015/impact

Overall, discrimination is a destructive force that has far-reaching impacts on individuals, organizations, and society. It is essential to take proactive steps to prevent and address discrimination in all its forms to create a fair and inclusive world for everyone.


Useful links

https://www.cdc.gov/oeeowe/faqs/discrimination.htm

https://cultureplusconsulting.com/2018/10/16/meaning-metrics-for-diversity-and-inclusion/#:~:text=Diversity%20and%20inclusion%20metrics%20are,measure%20the%20impact%20of%20initiatives.

REFERENCES

Adler, R.L. (2017) Preventing and Managing Discrimination in the Workplace. Journal of Business and Psychology, 32.

Gelfand , M.J. and Nishii, L.H. (2009) The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination in the Workplace. Edward Elgar Publishing.

Home | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (2023) Available from https://www.eeoc.gov/.

SHRM - The Voice of All Things Work (2021) Available from https://www.shrm.org/pages/default.aspx.

Silvers, A., Waterstone, M.E. and Stein, M.A.• (2006) DISABILITY AND EMPLOYMENTDISCRIMINATION AT THE REHNQUISTCOURT. 2006th edition. Vol. 75. FACULTY PUBLICATIONS.

Types of Discrimination | Frequently Asked Questions | OEEOWE (2021) Available from https://www.cdc.gov/oeeowe/faqs/discrimination.htm.


Comments

  1. Iresha UdariApril 20, 2023 at 7:24 AM

    Discrimination in the workplace is not only unethical but also illegal in many jurisdictions, and organizations must take proactive measures to prevent and address discrimination to create a fair and inclusive work environment forall employees. Good article.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tharanga WanigasundaraApril 21, 2023 at 12:02 AM

    Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee is treated unfairly or differently because of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, or other characteristics protected by law. Discrimination can take many forms, such as harassment, unequal pay, denial of promotion or training opportunities, or wrongful termination. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sanduni KarunanayakeApril 21, 2023 at 8:48 AM

    Understanding discrimination in the workplace is critical to promoting a fair and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and treat all employees equal. Organizations can take steps to prevent to prevent discrimination by implementing policies and training programs , forstering an open and respectful workplace culture and providing employees with channels to report discrimination without fear and retaliation...

    ReplyDelete
  4. W.J. Chrishan Fernando.April 21, 2023 at 10:13 PM

    A well-studied and maturely written article on the topic. Well done...!!!

    ReplyDelete

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