Employment discrimination is rampant across America, including here in Colorado. All too often, though, workers are afraid to broach the topic, usually because they fear retaliation. In some instances, though, it’s simply hard to gauge whether discrimination has actually occurred. This is usually because the discriminatory behavior has become so engrained in the workplace culture that it seems normal.
But you shouldn’t allow yourself to be discriminated against. In addition to the emotional harm it can cause, it can also disrupt your career, thereby having a negative impact on your advancement and your income. That’s why if you suspect that you’ve been discriminated against, then you need to consider taking legal action.
But how do you go about building a workplace discrimination claim?
Workplace discrimination cases can be complicated. But there are steps that you can take now to start building the arguments that you need to be successful in one of these cases. Let’s look at some of them here:
- Retain communications: Some discrimination is commemorated in written statements that your employer made to you. But even if they weren’t, your complaints to your employer and their response may be helpful to your case. So, make sure that you’re documenting everything and keeping all written communication.
- Talk to coworkers: Workplace discrimination is rarely limited to one employee. It tends to be more widespread than initially thought, but most workers still chalk discriminatory behaviors up to isolate incidences. By talking to your coworkers, you can gain a clearer perspective of how they’ve been treated and whether you can use that evidence to support your case.
- Focus on your employment record: If you were negatively impacted by workplace discrimination that led to an adverse employment action, then your employer is probably going to claim that their action was justified based on your poor work performance, lateness, or absenteeism. Therefore, you’ll need to be prepared to counter these arguments. Your past performance appraisals might speak positively of your work, skills, and abilities, and you might also have praise from your supervisor that was sent to you via email. This evidence can help protect your claim.
- Track your losses: If you want to be properly compensated for the discrimination that was targeted toward you, then you need to be able to show the full extent of your damages. With that mind, it’s a good idea to gather your paystubs to show your historical income in your position and to keep track of any expenses incurred as a result of losing your job. It might also be helpful to journal the emotional turmoil that you face as a result of losing your job.
- Look at policy and practice impacts: Not all discrimination is intentional. Sometimes innocent looking policies and practices turn out to be discriminatory in their impact. Therefore, you might want to turn a close eye toward employment practices and policies that you find problematic.
Don’t let your employer get away with discrimination
Workplace discrimination can disrupt your life in a way that you never imagined. But your employer isn’t going to be held accountable for the harm they cause to you unless you take legal action to protect your rights. This is likely the only way you’re going to stand a chance of recovering the compensation you’re owed.
So, if you’re ready stand up and have your story heard, then now is the time to start building your workplace discrimination case. If you need help, then you can continue to read up on the topic so that you familiarize yourself with the law and your next steps.