Workplace disputes and challenges can be stressful. Daunting, even, when things take a more serious turn. When injustices transpire, it becomes more difficult to work without constantly fearing said injustices. Facing discrimination in workplace should not deter you from standing up for your rights as an employee. Instead, here are the primary steps to take when they do.
Steps To Take Against Workplace Discrimination-
1. Talk To A Lawyer:
Regardless of what kind of discrimination you face at work, the distressing fact is that the courts have strict rules for what qualifies under “work discrimination”. And you will need an expert who is knowledgeable about this segment of the law for you to be able to push your claim forward.
Hiring a lawyer does not instantaneously mean you are to brace yourself for matters to be brought to the courts. Doing so is a kind of a “safeguard”.
How? A lawyer can help you recount what had been done against you and inform you about what qualifies under work-discrimination, and what you can legally do about it. That, and in an objective manner.
2. List Down The Offensive Actions Committed Against You:
We understand that recounting such actions can be painful, or traumatizing for others. Yet this is a crucial step that requires your attention— listing down every offense your perpetrators have carried out.
Called a journal for tracking discriminatory behavior, be as detailed as possible with your entries. Be sure to include the date, location, and time each one took place. Alongside these, the perpetrator/s, witnesses (if there were), and other relevant information.
3. Report The Incident:
Your claim may be turned down if it becomes apparent that you have never reported the occurence/s. As such, the company should be told of these workplace events because they are required by law to act upon them. If they are not given the opportunity to do so (due to the lack of familiarity regarding this motion), this could be held against you.
Report the incident to your superiors and have Human Resources, or any relevant department, get these in writing and on record.
4. Understand The Incident:
Aside from speaking with your attorney about it, talk to your manager/s. Although quite in the minority, there are cases wherein acts were not deliberately made. Nevertheless, your superiors need to know of these in order to talk to the perpetrators and reiterate (or draft) company rules about work-discrimination.
It’s also an approach to seeking help with respect to officially reporting the incident. Add to this standing under the umbrella of protection of the company’s employees who are situated in ranks of authority therein.
5. Be Prepared For Counterattacks And/Or Retaliation:
Even with legal advisers at your side, be ready for retaliation from your perpetrators. Whether through actions, threatening words, work-related retribution (i.e. disapproval of a raise, vacation leaves, etc.), be ready for them.
But do not fret because with a work-discrimination lawyer aiding you every step of the way. The law can be used as your foundation and shield against those who premeditatedly intend for your harm within the walls of your workplace.
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