In many industries, employees expect distractions or interruptions from customers and clients—but when those distractions come from coworkers and employers, it can feel even more draining. But what if those interruptions come in the form of unjust and unfair discrimination? If someone in your workplace treats you differently based on specific characteristics rather than your skills or job performance, it can hamper your professional growth and emotional well-being. Both state and federal laws prohibit discriminatory practices, but our Marlton employment lawyers at Burnham Douglass have still helped many clients deal with several types of recurring workplace discrimination.
What Is Racial Discrimination in the Workplace?
Employers engage in racial discrimination when they treat you unfavorably because of your race, ethnicity, or national origin. These actions can be overt—which can include offensive comments or derogatory remarks—or subtle, which can look like denying promotions, offering lower wages, or imposing stricter work conditions.
How Does Gender Discrimination Affect Your Career?
If an employer treats you differently based on your sex or gender identity, they have likely engaged in gender discrimination. Once again, this form of discrimination can look like unequal pay, promotion denial, or the assignment of less desirable tasks based on outdated gender stereotypes. Gender bias can also mean a lack of advancement opportunities for women, femme-presenting, or non-binary individuals.
Can Employers Discriminate Based on Age?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prevents employers from discriminating against employees 40 years or older, but some workplaces still replace older employees with younger ones, exclude them from training programs, or make negative comments about their age. Employers sometimes justify this sort of age discrimination by claiming that the workplace needs a “fresh perspective,” but this reason does not legally justify discriminatory practices.
What Is Disability Discrimination in the Workplace?
By law, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for physical or mental disabilities as long as they do not unduly burden the business. If your employer refuses to make these accommodations, treats you unfairly due to your condition, or retaliates against you for requesting necessary support, they have likely engaged in disability discrimination.
Is it Legal for Employers to Discriminate Based on Pregnancy?
Some employers have taken adverse or disciplinary actions against their employees due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, going so far as denying reasonable accommodations, mandating new mothers to take paid time off, or even terminating employment. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) helps ensure new pregnant and expecting mothers can expect the same treatment as other employees with medical conditions.
How Does Religious Discrimination Impact Your Workplace Rights?
If an employer penalizes you for your religious beliefs or practices by refusing to provide reasonable accommodations for religious attire, prayer breaks, or holiday observances, they may have engaged in religious discrimination. Additionally, the law prevents employers from harassing or coercing you because of your faith.
Marlton Employment Lawyers at Burnham Douglass Are Here to Help You if You Have Experienced Workplace Discrimination
If your employer has subjected you to discrimination because of your race, gender, age, disability, pregnancy status, religion, or any other factor, state and federal laws protect your right to seek justice. Trust the experienced Marlton employment lawyers at Burnham Douglass to provide you with guidance on how to move forward, whether through negotiation, filing a complaint, or pursuing litigation. Call us at 856-751-5505 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are located in Marlton and Northfield, New Jersey.