Workplace discrimination and harassment is more common than many people realize. In fact, in 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received more than 73,000 discrimination complaints, which was 20% more than the year prior. And in 2021, the agency received more than 5,500 formal complaints regarding sexual harassment.
Yet, despite the prevalence of this wrongdoing in the workplace, many people fail to recognize it when it happens to them. In some instances, workers minimize the behavior exhibited towards them, while in other situations these individuals simply choose to let the matter go in hopes that it’ll disappear on its own. But this does nothing but encourage further egregious behavior, and it has likely led to under-reporting of workplace discrimination and sexual harassment.
If you’ve been discriminated against or harassed, you shouldn’t just sit back and let your employer get away with the harm that’s been caused to you. But we know that it can be hard to recognize when you’ve been subjected to discrimination or harassment. Here are some signs that you’ll want to be on the lookout for:
- You’re subjected to inappropriate jokes: Jokes about your existence in a protected class, your physical appearance, or your sexuality may seem like harmless workplace banter, but it can quickly make you feel uncomfortable and even demonstrate your employer’s preference for other workers. If you’re being subjected to this type of joking, then you’re likely being discriminated against or harassed.
- You’re being excluded: If you’re kept out of important workplace meetings or decisions even though you’re more experienced, then your employer may be cutting you out as a way to prevent your advancement. If their motivations are discriminatory in nature, then you may be justified in taking legal action.
- You’re denied opportunities: If you’re passed over for promotion or challenging new assignments in favor of less experienced workers of a different race, religion, gender, or age, then you may be experiencing workplace discrimination.
- You’re subjected to inappropriate advances: If your supervisor or someone you work with constantly makes sexual advances, requests sexual favors, or incessantly asks you out on dates despite being rebuffed, then they’re likely subjecting you to sexual harassment. In far too many instances, the denial of these requests results in some sort of retaliation.
- A coworker continues to touch you in unwelcome ways: Unwelcomed touching can constitute sexual harassment. This often happens when a coworker goes around giving shoulder massages or they sit on your desk uncomfortably close to you while you’re sitting in your chair. These individuals can even intentionally block you from passing in hallways, perhaps even putting their hands on you when doing so. All of this is unacceptable and can constitute sexual harassment.
There are several other ways that workplace discrimination and sexual harassment can occur. So, don’t think that this list is exhaustive. If you’re experiencing something that makes you feel uncomfortable, you’re better off reporting it and considering legal action.
You deserve to be safe in the workplace. When your employer treats you unfairly, you need to fight for accountability and to recover the compensation you’re owed.