If you face discrimination at work, you may be uncertain about how to protect yourself and your job.
With so much potentially on the line emotionally and financially, here are a few things to keep in mind.
What to do if you face discrimination
If you feel your employer, managers, or coworkers are discriminating against you, taking certain steps can help you protect yourself.
Save your paperwork
A paper trail can be an important component in proving discrimination. For instance, it can establish time-lines and support disputed claims.
Try to save performance reviews, emails, and texts that reveal unfair treatment. You can also take photos of workspaces, or collect chat logs or any other documentation relevant to your claims.
Create a record
Another step is to create a record of discrimination by notifying your supervisor or HR in writing about the discriminatory treatment.
Creating a record gives your employer the opportunity to remedy the situation, and serves to counter any later argument that the employer did not know about the misconduct.
Mistakes to avoid if you face discrimination
Taking the proper steps to document and report discrimination is only part of the solution. It can also be wise to avoid missteps that could hurt any case you might have.
Quitting
Understandably, you may prefer to quit rather than deal with discrimination. However, doing so can change your legal options and the remedies available.
Signing an agreement
Signing an agreement waiving your rights or accepting a settlement can be a costly mistake. You could be giving up financial claims and legal remedies, or binding yourself to specific dispute resolution methods or other obligations that are not in your best interests.
Protecting yourself from discrimination
Save your paperwork, create a record, and do not quit your job or sign an agreement before consulting with an experienced employment attorney who can also discuss the legal options available to you. If you face workplace discrimination this information can help you stand up for yourself and your rights.
