It’s illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee based on their age, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. However, employment discrimination still happens all the time, so if you’re a victim, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and fight back.
Here are four things you should do if you experience employment discrimination:
Contact an Attorney
Employment discrimination laws are complex and constantly changing. So, why hire an Employment Discrimination Attorney? Well, an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and provide valuable advice.
When deciding on an attorney, it’s important to look for one who is experienced in employment law. They should understand how to identify unlawful discrimination and advise you on possible remedies such as filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Additionally, this type of professional can help you build a case against your employer by obtaining evidence, such as witness statements and documents that prove discrimination. An experienced lawyer also knows how to negotiate a reasonable settlement with the employer on behalf of their client.
Lastly, an attorney can help you understand your rights as an employee and provide advice on how to best protect yourself from employment discrimination. With the right person by your side, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to address any issues that may arise during your time at this specific job.
File a Complaint with the EEOC
Once you have hired a professional attorney to help with your case, you should then make the decision to file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
If you believe that you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, filing an EEOC complaint is the first step in protecting yourself and getting justice. It is important to note, however, that all complaints must be filed within 180 days from the date of the discriminatory action in order for action to be taken.
Your attorney can help you through the process of filing a complaint with the EEOC. The complaint must be detailed and include specific evidence that supports your claim. You must also provide any relevant documents or information that may support your case. After submitting the complaint, an investigator from the EEOC will review it and determine whether they will investigate your claim further.
Document Everything
Documentation is an important tool for employees to protect themselves from employment discrimination. Employers may not be aware of or follow legal guidelines regarding discrimination and having accurate records of interactions can help provide a clear picture should any issues arise.
Documentation serves as evidence of conversations, decisions, and events in the workplace that could be relevant in the case of a dispute.
Things to document include:
- All job responsibilities and duties, including any additional assignments related to your job
- Promotions, awards, or other recognition you receive at work
- Performance reviews (both positive and negative)
- Training or development opportunities offered to you by the employer
- Complaints of discrimination made by you or other employees
- Any verbal communications, such as conversations with supervisors or managers
- Written policies and guidelines that may be relevant to your job
- Emails, memos, notes, or other written communication between you and another employee
Keeping an organized system of documentation allows employees to easily access the information they need in the case of a dispute. It also ensures that employees have a reliable record of conversations and interactions in the workplace.
If an employer is found to be discriminating against an employee, documenting specific events can help strengthen the employee’s case and make it easier to establish a connection between the discrimination and actual job performance or conditions.
Seek Support from Friends and Family Members
Employees must have a strong support system to help protect them from employment discrimination. Family and friends can provide emotional and financial assistance, advice, and good counsel when needed. They can also be a sounding board to share ideas, offer feedback on difficult situations, or just listen as employees express their frustrations.
There is only so much you have on your shoulders, so by taking the time to involve trusted friends and family members in the process, you can make sure that any employment discrimination you may be facing does not go unnoticed or unresolved.
Conclusion
Discrimination in the workplace can take many different forms, and it’s important for employees to be aware of their rights so that they can protect themselves from abuse. In this article, we’ve outlined what you should do if you find yourself a victim of employment discrimination.
If you experience any type of discrimination at work, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.