Most employers clearly understand that they are obligated to provide their employees with a workplace that is free of discrimination. While the laws regarding discrimination may not be as simple as some other laws, employers can promptly implement important protocols and protections to avoid discriminatory practices.
Practices and Protections
Many companies have a system or process in place in which employees will have to follow whenever there is a workplace concern. Generally, the first person employees should share their concerns with is the direct supervisor.
The reason why practices and protections are in place is to provide employees with fair access to employment and opportunities to advance. It is in the best interest of everyone to have a workplace that is free of any type of discrimination. From an employee’s perspective, he or she will be able to thrive and advance when they are given an equal opportunity to become a success and compete for advancements and promotions.
Those with disabilities will be able to contribute effectively when they are given reasonable accommodations. If an employee requests reasonable accommodations, the employer should comply. Opportunities to compete for a position and a promotion should be provided to employees without any particular group being treated differently.
Workplace discrimination, regardless of the form, can negatively impact company culture, suppress innovation, and impair morale. Workplace discrimination can equate to destruction for the workplace and result in serious financial troubles.
Preventing Workplace Discrimination
Unfortunately, man companies either do not take destruction seriously or they do not have enough protections and protocols in place to put an end to it. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission fields thousands of charges each year, and those claims result in millions of money being paid out.
The top discrimination charges are as follows:
- Retaliation
- Race
- Sex
- Disability
- Age
It is important for every organization to implement a compliance and ethics program that will lead to a discriminatory-free workplace. A great workplace will create programs and protections that will generate strong values throughout the entire workplace. When issues regarding discrimination are discussed, the issues should be listened to, responded to, and investigated, regardless of how small the issues may seem.
Addressing Workplace Concerns
Many people will feel comfortable speaking with their supervisors, but many others will not feel as comfortable. We understand that many people will not feel comfortable speaking with their supervisor about personal and sensitive concerns, especially when it concerns workplace discrimination and workplace violations.
Here are some helpful tips for addressing any concern you may have about workplace discrimination and violations:
Know your rights
When you are aware of your rights, especially when it comes to the workplace, you will feel more confident when you address your concerns with your supervisor. Also, being aware and knowledgeable of your rights will allow you to speak confidently about the violation and why it was wrong.
Do not become upset
We know that being discriminated against in any matter can result in frustration and heartache, but it is important to let cooler heads prevail in the situation. It is important that you remain professional while you are addressing your concerns.
Request a private discussion
When any type of discrimination concerns are brought to light, do not hesitate to request a private conversation to address the personal matter. If the discussion is held publicly, it could result in a more uncomfortable work environment.
Arm yourself with the facts
Before you report anything to your supervisor or another employee, you should make sure you have all the facts. You can write down the key facts you remember, including the dates when the violations took place.
After you have addressed your concerns with your employer, do not hesitate to ask questions regarding what will happen next. You should also feel free to follow-up with your employer after the private discussion has taken place.
Filing a Complaint
When an employee feels that his/her concerns are not been addressed, even after having a private discussion with the employer, one can consider filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. When anyone wants to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the employee will need to alert the employer about the complaint.
It is important that employees be as clear and exact with their story as possible, while providing evidence that discrimination has taken place. Evidence of discrimination can include phone conversations, emails, and other forms of conversations. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will perform an investigation and determine what steps should be taken next.
Ethics and compliance programs should be put in place in every workplace. However, these programs can only be effective when they are supported and taken seriously. Ensuring that a workplace is free from discrimination can be a challenge for any workplace, but one of the best ways to ensure that a workplace is free drom discrimination is to build the right attitude and culture from the beginning.
Whenever you feel that your workplace rights have been violated and that no one is taking your concerns seriously, do not feel defeated. During this process, it will be very essential to hire a lawyer. At Villaume & Schiek, we understand that filing a complaint can be difficult, especially because the complaint will revolve around very personal matters.
Our team at Villaume & Schiek will correctly file the complaint with the EEOC. We will also construct a case for you based on the evidence that you have provided. We understand the process and steps that must be completed when any type of discrimination occurs. We will prepare you for the upcoming deadlines, and prepare you for what may happen if your case is not approved.
As the national headlines have taught is in recent and past years, no industry is free from allegations of discrimination. Being mindful of and responsive to any type of discrimination problem can create a culture that is known for its support and decorum.
If you were discriminated against in the workplace, the Villaume & Schiek team will review your case and fight for the justice you have been seeking,
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individualsituation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.