Employees have a right to a workplace that’s free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. While there are some instances of these actions that are obvious, others might be a bit more subtle. It doesn’t really matter which category the actions fall into, they still should be avoided in the workplace.
It might not be easy to spot some of the things that employers do to make a workplace unbearable. Some of these actions are subtle ways that employees might miss. Paying close attention to what’s happening around you at work might clue you into what’s going on.
Making employees feel inferior
Employees should be empowered to speak up about things that aren’t right in the workplace. Ignoring employees and making them feel as though they don’t matter can sometimes be forms of discrimination or retaliation. In some cases, the employer might isolate some employees or exclude them from some events. This can sometimes be construed as illegal behavior on the part of the employer.
Unhealthy competition between employees
While it’s a good idea to have some competition between employees as a way to keep everyone motivated, this shouldn’t ever be done in a mean way. Showing favoritism to specific employees, using rumors or doing anything else that creates conflicts within the company can fall under this category.
Anyone who is being subjected to discrimination, harassment or retaliation at work should determine their options to deal with it. In some cases, those options might include legal action. It’s imperative to think about how each one can help you achieve the goals you have set for your case.