How to Identify Discrimination at Work: Key Signs and Examples

Identify workplace discrimination with key signs like unfair treatment, harassment, and pay inequality. Recognize subtle yet impactful discriminatory behaviors.

By Douglas Wade, Attorney

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Table of Contents

1. What does discrimination at work look like?

2. Warning Signs of Discrimination in the Workplace That You May Be Ignoring

What does discrimination at work look like?

Most people’s mental image of discrimination is of acts that are very obvious, such as the use of hate speech, the display of hate symbols, or even physical assault. These situations should not occur at all, but they do occur considerably more frequently than they should. The most common kinds of workplace discrimination, however, might be far less obvious than this. Workplace discrimination can take many forms, some of which you may not even be aware exist. It can come from coworkers, bosses, or even customers.

Keep in mind that workplace discrimination can occur unintentionally even if you don’t believe there is a problem or that your bosses or coworkers would never act in such a way. Being discriminatory is something that some people may not even be aware they are doing. That does not mean you have to suffer in silence or that they shouldn’t be held accountable.

Warning Signs of Discrimination in the Workplace That You May Be Ignoring

Unfair treatment

This is among the most common symptoms of discrimination at work. You should think about whether anyone else in the office is a member of the same protected class as you if you are being treated differently than everyone else.

Depending on the criteria used, this could imply that:

There are higher expectations for your performance that you must fulfill.
You need to stay longer than most people.
It is expected that you will be at work ahead of schedule.
You should think about anything else that would appear harmless if you weren’t the only one subjected to this standard.

Harassing Remarks or Practical Jokes

People may be discriminating if they make jokes or remarks that are offensive based on your age, race, religion, sex, or any other protected trait. They can be inappropriate even if they aren’t deliberately offensive. In most companies, it doesn’t matter if you are part of a protected class.

Keep in mind that claiming “it’s only a joke” does not absolve it of being discriminatory in the workplace or disrespectful. Reporting this kind of action is completely within your rights.

Not Included

Consistent exclusion from work-related meetings, social gatherings, or correspondence may be evidence of discrimination.

Seek a change in scheduling if your work schedule consistently clashes with specific events or meetings. It might be considered discrimination if you’re still not included in meetings or if someone insists that you can’t modify your schedule for reasons you don’t understand.

Pay Inequality

One kind of discrimination is paying one person less than another who has the same or more qualifications and experience for the same job. If you don’t understand why some people are paid more than you, think about the protected class you belong to and see if the people getting more money are from a different class. If you are underpaid, consider if the people getting less money are from your own class.

How seriously you should take wage inequality depends on your line of work and your company’s compensation policy. While consulting with a lawyer, there are other considerations to keep in mind.

Missed Opportunities

One indicator of discrimination is when you don’t get the same opportunities for advancement, training, or other advantages that other employees with comparable credentials and work performance receive.

Unjustified Job Duties Changes

Possible signs of discrimination include a significant shift in your workload, either upwards or downwards, or changes that are both sudden and unneeded. Assigning you at random to a less desirable department or for a task you specifically did not apply for (like maintenance) at work could be a sign of discrimination.

Preference

It may be discrimination if an employer shows preference for one employee over another based on shared or nonexistent traits. Performance and a strong work ethic are not traits that could be a sign of discrimination.

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