Discrimination still occurs in many workplaces across the country. It can take all kinds of forms, from those that occur through ignorance to those people carry out with full malicious intent.
What is clear is that employers have a duty to protect against it, and employees have a right to feel safe at work.
The “#MeToo” movement highlighted the power of calling out inappropriate behavior. While it did not magically solve the issues of discrimination that so many workers experience, it did lead to some perpetrators being held to account and to many organizations, businesses and individuals reflecting upon their behavior and that of others.
All because a few people decided to speak up, empowering others to follow. As far as the workplace is concerned, there are options for reporting discrimination and harassment.
A victim can report it themselves
Not everyone who suffers discrimination or harassment at work reports it. There are multiple reasons why someone might not do so. For instance, they may fear they’ll lose their job or fear it will harm their relationship with colleagues, family or friends. Or, they may fear that people won’t believe them or will view them badly for speaking out.
A witness can report it
If an employee sees someone harassing a colleague, they could speak up there and then and call the perpetrator out for their actions. Or they could quietly go to the employer (or a higher authority) and report it, with or without the victim’s consent.
Witnessing or experiencing discrimination can be incredibly distressing. Reporting it is an important step to creating safer workplace environments, but it can be an unnerving one. Legal guidance can help you protect your rights when doing so.