Advice for Employers – Ways to Prevent Discrimination in the Workplace

Feeling welcomed and included at work is a crucial aspect of employee satisfaction; yet 83% of employees have witnessed discrimination in the workplace at least once. Companies often set the expectations for employees through a formal code of conduct, which outlines what behaviors are not tolerated in the workplace. Discrimination in the workplace can have serious implications for both employees and the company’s reputation, as many countries have placed anti-discrimination acts into their labor laws. 

Having a discrimination-free workplace is essential to ensure that employees of all backgrounds and identities can thrive and succeed, resulting in increased productivity and teamwork as well. We’ll go through how you can prevent discrimination in the workplace, and achieve a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Workplace discrimination is when an employee is treated less favorably based on their background, identity or personal attributes. These attributes, such as race, gender, age and sexual orientation, are known as ‘protected characteristics’. Therefore, to discriminate against someone is to put them at a disadvantage based on prejudiced or unfair reasons relating to their protected characteristics. There are two ways discrimination in the workplace can occur – either directly or indirectly:

Discrimination involves unfair treatment of an employee based on protected characteristics, which are features of a person's identity which cannot be changed. The types of discrimination in the workplace therefore reflect these characteristics, such as: 

Gender Discrimination in the workplace is related to unfair treatment relating to an employee's gender identity. An example of gender discrimination would be not allowing a pregnant female employee to receive a promotion, due to her upcoming maternity leave.

Racial Discrimination in the workplace involves unjust treatment or racism towards employees. An example of racial discrimination in the workplace could be a hispanic team leader providing better performance evaluations to her hispanic team members just because they share the same culture.

Age Discrimination in the workplace is when an employee is treated unfairly due to their age. An example of age discrimination in the workplace could be a candidate in their 50s being rejected during the hiring process in favor of someone younger.

Disability Discrimination in the workplace involves unfair treatment of employees with a disability. An example of disability discrimination in the workplace could be a lack of handrails, ramps or other accessibility features in an office building, putting physically disabled employees at a disadvantage.

Religious Discrimination in the workplace is when employees are treated unjustly based on their religious beliefs. An example of religious discrimination in the workplace could be a Christian store owner not wanting to hire any Muslim employees, simply because of their religious beliefs.

LGBTQIA+ Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is treated unfairly because of their identity. An example of LGBTQIA+ discrimination in the workplace could be a gay employee who is not treated well by another colleague, because their sexuality is not accepted.

As discrimination can have serious consequences for both employees and employers, preventing it can ensure that the workplace is safe and welcoming for all employees. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace: 

Promote Diversity and Inclusion

Implementing diversity, equity and inclusion principles can ensure that all employees understand the expectations of the company in promoting equality. Showing the value in a diverse workplace, providing equity for those who need it and making all employees feel included can prevent unnecessary tension and discrimination.

Training and Education

Equipping employees with a better understanding of the company’s anti-discrimination policy can help make sure that all employees are on the same page about behavioral expectations. Raising awareness and building empathy can assist in maintaining an inclusive and harmonious work environment.

Clear Policies and Procedures

Establishing a robust anti-discrimination policy, as well as emphasizing the consequences of discriminating acts in the workplace can ensure that employees are aware that anti-discrimination is to be taken seriously. Having a clear procedure for reporting and addressing discrimination in the workplace means that employees feel empowered to speak up if they need to.

Promoting Fair Recruitment and Hiring Processes

Avoiding discrimination in the workplace and implementing diversity and inclusion can start at the hiring level. Ensuring that job descriptions are unbiased, and that unbiased hiring processes, like blind reviewing of resumes, can reduce discriminatory practices. This is known as equal employment opportunity, which we have a whole guide on here!

Fostering a Culture of Respect and Inclusion

Having open conversations about how employees can best respect each other can ensure that deliberate and unintentional discrimination in the workplace does not occur. Promoting inclusion and appreciating diversity allows for stronger communication and interpersonal connections as well. 

One company which has developed a robust anti-discrimination environment is Microsoft. Microsoft is one of the biggest companies and has many employees – as a result, they have a variety of policies and guidelines for ensuring equal employment opportunity and avoiding discrimination in the workplace. Let's take a look at the ways Microsoft aims to prevent discrimination in the workplace: 

Core Values

Microsoft’s core values include dignity and respect, and upholds the protected characteristics both in their hiring processes and for their current employees. Culturally, they want to implement mindsets of growth, empowerment, community and diversity. These core values are shared through their diverse board members, who all contribute to ensuring the company upholds them. 

Workplace Initiatives

There are a variety of initiatives and programs implemented by Microsoft to ensure equality amongst all employees. These, in turn, reduce the likelihood of discrimination in the workplace. Some examples of these include: 

• Inclusive hiring processes for disabled and neurodivergent candidates
• Internships for upskilling aspiring employees
• Tackling inequalities outside of Microsoft
• Employee resource groups
• Creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM

Preventing discrimination in the workplace is more than just complying with labor laws. Actively promoting diversity and inclusion, and training employees to appreciate their differences can lead to a more productive workplace. All employees deserve to feel safe, appreciated and included, and should not be limited by characteristics which are unique to them. To learn more about how you can build an inclusive workplace, browse through CakeResume’s articles for free!

--- Originally Written by Bronte McNamara ---