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How do I deal with discrimination in the workplace?

18 Answers
Last Updated: 04/04/2022 at 10:14pm
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Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
Profile: kristinshere
kristinshere
December 6th, 2014 4:44pm
you should never have to deal with discrimination. If you are then you need to go to a boss and if it is the boss go to his boss
Profile: GoodGuyChad
GoodGuyChad
November 5th, 2014 8:59pm
Some kinds of discrimination are illegal and some are legal. If the kind you face is illegal you have the option of pursuing charges against whoever is doing it. If it's the legal kind, then you may not have a straightforward option, and you'll have to weigh the risks/benefits associated with trying to eradicate it.
Profile: ivysoul
ivysoul
May 22nd, 2015 2:51pm
Tell someone about it. It's illegal. Get help. Try standing up for yourself, but if that doesn't work, get someone to help you.
Anonymous
January 8th, 2015 12:43am
The best is not to fight it verbally and report it to a supervisor or boss. Trying to manage it on your own could cause issues for you that could cause loss of job.
Profile: Mel
Mel
December 23rd, 2014 1:15am
The first thing I would do is make sure that discrimination is involved, make sure that you (or someone you knows) have actually been a victim of discrimination. Gather evidence, keep a diary of any incidents of discrimination or harassment. Record the date, approximate time, location, parties involved, witnesses, and details of the improper conduct or speech. Report it. discrimination can go unpunished if the victim minimizes the issue, or makes it sound less traumatic than it was. Use the evidence that you've gathered to back up your claims.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2014 3:45pm
The workplace should be as safe a space as any to thrive in. If a person is feeling discriminated against the appropriate parties such as Human Resources or management can assist them. Many companies have specific protocols for handling such an incident.
Anonymous
December 8th, 2014 3:18am
The equal opportunity employment act mandates that you be free from discrimination in the work place. If you feel like you are being discriminated against, contact the EOE commission, and visit their web page: http://www.eeoc.gov/employees/charge.cfm
Profile: Leighann
Leighann
November 24th, 2014 9:01am
Dealing with discrimination in the workplace can be stressful, frustrating, and emotionally traumatic, and deciding whether or not to report it is a highly personal choice. before you take any action against a person or organization, you need to make sure that you have actually been a victim of discrimination. To do this, take a step back and look at the situation from several different perspectives – you need to determine, as objectively as possible, if you have been discriminated against, or if you've simply jumped to conclusions. (It can sometimes be quite hard to prove that discrimination has occurred.) Consider the Consequences then gather evidence then report it
Profile: TheLastBeforeTheStorm
TheLastBeforeTheStorm
November 23rd, 2014 1:01am
In my opinion, if you feel discriminated, the first step is to step aside and try to evaluate the situation. Is there really discrimination or something else going on? Maybe ask some friends opinions? If you are convinced that it really is discrimination, then it is best to look up company policies relating to that and then follow them.
Profile: whynotyou
whynotyou
November 18th, 2014 8:13pm
treat them the way i want to be treated. hopefully they will start doing the same as well! I am sure it will work
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 4:14pm
If they openly discriminate against you, tell them that you politely decline from participating in their prejudiced ways and would appreciate if they left you alone.
Profile: OnlineFriend123
OnlineFriend123
December 8th, 2015 4:53pm
Check your organization policy for discrimination but usually you should notify your manager, or human resources. They may even have a special group to report information to. Investigations can't be done anonymously, but you should be protected from retaliation.
Profile: Mike30400
Mike30400
December 14th, 2015 1:33am
The best thing you can possibly do is go to Human Resources. That is illegal, and that person/persons could be terminated for this. Whatever you do, do not take matters into your own hands.
Anonymous
June 7th, 2016 9:07am
Discrimination is something which our society has been dealing with for many years, we as humans are all trying to overcome stereotypes. What kind of discrimination in particular are you having problems with? It's important to feel appreciated and safe at your workplace.
Profile: Sageypie
Sageypie
September 12th, 2017 5:36pm
I would go to my manager and discuss it with them. If it's the manager that's causing issues, take it up with the companies HR department, you can usually find their number on the company websites.
Profile: izzymarii
izzymarii
February 12th, 2018 6:37pm
Address it. Report it. It's not right. No one should discriminate anywhere. The more people are aware of it, the more attention and precautions and it will be a better world.
Profile: HelpAndHealing
HelpAndHealing
August 6th, 2018 3:57pm
Document absolutely everything with dates, times and people involved (like keeping a diary of it). Save any written communications if they exist. If your manager isn't the one discriminating, take your evidence and concerns to them. If they are dismissive, explain that you will go to HR and would prefer to have their support. If you have union representatives etc it is worth talking to them about your experience as they can offer help and guidance through the process. On the emotional side, counselling can help with the toll this is taking on you. Otherwise, talk to us, to friends and family, but NOT to colleagues. Especially if you intend to escalate things with HR. Short answer - you shouldn't have to deal with it and the people responsible should be disciplined for their conduct. Good luck!
Profile: MountainAspen
MountainAspen
April 4th, 2022 10:14pm
For me, it depends on the workplace and what the issue is. My safety is my main concern. If the workplace has any sort of anonymous reporting line, I might go to them and see if it will be handled. If I do not think I can report it and the discrimination is interfering with my ability to support myself, I might try looking around for other places of employment. I would do my best not to burn any bridges while still honoring my truth so I do not jeopardize future employment opportunities. Like I said, it really depends on if the discrimination is violent or harms my ability to take care of myself and my needs in any way and what the possible consequences are for advocating for myself and if it would be worth it personally to try and seek accountability or not.