Workplace discrimination is rampant. Yet, not all employee victims who report the same find relief. Reports of workplace discrimination warrant investigations by the human resources department (HR), employment rights agencies or courts. However, the employee making the allegation must prove the acts of discrimination. Unfortunately, not all can provide evidence and subsequently fail to make a claim.
This is why it is important for employees to keep records of discriminatory behavior as much as possible.
The weight of documentation
Sometimes, employees brush off discriminatory behavior when it happens for the first time. However, it is best to record actions or remarks that become repetitive and consistent. Indeed, you are still determining how things will pan out. The perpetrator may stop and apologize after a confrontation or a memo from HR. But it is also possible that the discriminatory behavior continues and creates a hostile work environment for you. In this case, documentation can play a huge role in successfully reporting and making a claim against the perpetrator.
Types of records you can keep
You can document discriminatory acts and remarks in your workplace in many ways. This includes, but is not limited to, the following methods:
- Recording daily journals
- Saving emails and text messages
- Keeping copies of impartial performance evaluations
- Screenshotting social media posts
- Preserving medical records showing mental and emotional health conditions due to discrimination
- Staying connected with witnesses or other victims
Getting your hands on the employee handbook and company policies is also wise. You can use this to prove that your employer failed to follow the investigation process properly if such is the case. With these records, you can establish workplace misconduct of your employer.
Employees who suffer discrimination go through great mental and emotional suffering. No employee deserves unfair treatment and it is only right to seek justice and compensation for workplace distress. Securing documentation of the discrimination can help victims establish a solid case.