Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination is rife all over the world, but some countries have taken strides to minimise its occurrence. What, exactly, is employment discrimination? It is the unfair or unequal treatment of an employee on the basis of a protected characteristic such as age, gender, race, disability, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, from verbal abuse to actual harassment. A more subtle form of discrimination is wage disparity among workers performing the same job.
The first step towards reducing workplace discrimination is for employers to assess their workplace. They should analyse their recruitment process to ensure that no biases are present. Training sessions should be conducted for potential employers, in order to address common biases and promote a positive workplace culture that embraces diversity. Employers should also take steps to create an inclusive workplace, such as offering flexible working arrangements and providing job opportunities to those underrepresented in their workforce.
In order to combat discrimination, it is important to create an environment whereby employees feel safe enough to speak up and raise their concerns. Unfavourable comments made by employers or colleagues should be discussed openly, and any behaviour that can be seen as discriminatory should not be tolerated. Having a clear anti-discrimination policy in place is a good start, as it ensures employees are aware of their rights and highlights the company’s stance on the issue. Employees should also be encouraged to report any incidences of discrimination, without fear of repercussions.
Government action is also necessary; the laws and regulations governing employment should be updated to ensure that discrimination does not occur in the workplace. There are several employment acts in place that are designed to protect employees from discrimination, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These acts ensure that employers are legally accountable for their actions and ensure that employees are treated fairly and equally.
Finally, employers should have a set of criteria which governs their hiring and promoting processes. Biased decision making can be reduced by having objective criteria, and promoting employees on the basis of merit, rather than any other factors. This means that employers should look at the skills and qualifications of job applicants, rather than any other characteristics they may possess. In addition, employers should be willing to provide those who are under-represented or disadvantaged with assistance or support in order to realise their goals.
Employment discrimination, while it is still a problem all over the world, can be reduced by taking appropriate steps. By making changes to the recruitment process, providing diversity training and creating a culture which encourages employees to report any discrimination, employers can ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally. Furthermore, government action and having objective criteria in place to prevent unfair decision making can help eliminate discrimination in the workplace.
