If employers are paying any attention to recent headlines concerning workplace discrimination, they will know to keep their finger on the pulse of the company in order to catch any signs of harassment. Often, employees who experience discrimination or harassment aren’t comfortable bringing these incidents up with management in fear of retaliation. Federal and state law makes employers responsible for providing a safe workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination.
Below are five telltale signs of discrimination in the workplace:
- Motivated interview questions – the intent behind an interviewer’s questions about future family plans or caregiver issues may suggest the intent not to hire a parent.
- Backlash when you enforce policies – if responses to your work or management actions (that do not differ from others) is being treated in a biased manner, then discrimination may be occurring.
- Diminished responsibilities – if you are being tasked to perform duties that are less than your position requires, and these not given to other similarly situated colleagues, workplace bias is present.
- Receiving impossible or last minute deadlines – while sometimes burning the midnight oil is necessary, constantly receiving unreasonable requests that may conflict with childcare responsibilities is discriminatory.
- Inappropriate conversational tone – it is important to understand that men and women tend to have differing conversational style, however, if one gender is regularly cut-off, interrupted, or dismissed by a superior or a colleague then discrimination is likely.
Although federal and state laws cannot stop employers, supervisors, or coworkers from creating a biased workplace environment, they provide protection for victims experiencing workplace harassment.
Specifically, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, harassment of employees based on race, color, religion, sex (to include pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information or parental status is prohibited. Additionally, these types of workplace harassment are prohibited under federal and most state laws (including New York). If you or someone you know has been the victim of workplace harassment, contact the most aggressive employment lawyer NYC retains right away to protect your rights.
Reach out to Levine & Blit, PLLC
The most knowledgeable and aggressive employment lawyer NYC has to offer comes with industry experience and a list of successful wins in high-profile cases. New York state law and federal law protect individuals from employment discrimination. The facts of each employment law case are as unique as the individual.
If you or someone you know believes they are experiencing workplace discrimination, the legal professionals Levine & Blit, PLLC can clearly explain your rights under the law. Schedule your free case evaluation online today or call (212) 967-3000. The practice also has employment law offices in Los Angeles California.
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