How to Avoid Workplace Discrimination

(533 Words)
Workplace discrimination can affect the environment of an organization, crippling their workforce and hampering their culture. It occurs when work decisions such as those regarding hiring, firing, raises and promotions are influenced by characteristics such as race, age and gender. Important characteristics that would actually influence how they perform in the job such as skills, experience and performance are overlooked. It progresses both purposefully and inadvertently, but steps can be taken to minimize this behavior.
Educate employees
Some employees practice discrimination without even realizing it. They may have stereotypes about certain people and make decisions based upon these without even consciously thinking about it. It is important for the management of a company to make sure that these are considered, and this can be done through education.
Education on workplace discrimination should include many facets. First, it is important to discuss this in verbal and written form as an employee enters the company. Talk about how workplace discrimination is not only wrong, but how it is against the law. Many companies choose to show a video showing the different types of workplace discrimination and how to avoid it.
Education should not stop after the employee is hired. You can mention workplace discrimination in e-mails, employee newsletters and in special meetings, especially if an issue has arisen.
Promote teamwork across different types of people
Some people practice workplace discrimination because they do not understand others. You may be able to help by allowing people to work together in positive environments. If your employees work in teams, then you can make sure that they contain a diverse group of people.
Make certain that groups are not underrepresented
Sometimes management is the group that is inadvertently performing the discrimination. You need to think about your workplace decisions and make certain that groups have been represented fairly. Check to see the percentage of women who have been promoted for instance. Make certain that people of racial minorities are not being passed over. If you see a problem, then take steps to rectify it.
Allow for an open communication environment
It is important that the management discover workplace discrimination as it occurs so that they may deal with it immediately. There should be a system set up so that people can come to the management and discuss such problems. An anonymous system may also make it easier for employees who fear retaliation to come forward.
Deal with workplace discrimination as it occurs
To help avoid workplace discrimination, occurrences should be dealt with swiftly. When a complaint is made, it should be thoroughly investigated. If it is substantiated, proper measures should be taken. These may include counseling, written and oral reprimands, work related sanctions and even termination in extreme or repeated offenses.
Workplace discrimination is a serious offense. If a suit is brought against the company, it could literally cost the company millions of dollars, thus every step should be taken to avoid this practice. If the management team needs further help, they could consult a reference such as the highly rated book The Essential Guide to Handling Workplace Harassment & Discrimination by Deborah England. With work and effort, managers can create an environment that is friendly to all.