Discrimination is present in different sectors. It does not regard boundaries, ethnicities, and colors. Treating some people differently from others is worse in the work environment. Workers are unfavorably treated based on some characteristics. But, state and federal laws protect employee characteristics from such discrimination. The Alberta Human Rights prohibits workplace discrimination. The protected characteristics are:

·       Religion

·       Color

·       Race

·       National origin

·       Gender identity

·       Age

·       Sexual orientation

·      Genetic formation

Not discriminating is a humane thing to do. It also goes a long way in improving a company’s bottom line. Let us explore the importance of discrimination education in the workplace.

A Healthy Workplace Is a Productive Workplace

A healthy work environment is one where managers and workers collaborate. Together, they improve all workers’ safety, well-being, and health. It increases happiness by as much as 33%. Not only this, but it also decreases turnover by 58% and increases revenue by 33%. It prevents or reduces long-term sick leave and improves creativity and profitability.

Discrimination highlights advantaged and disadvantaged employees. As a result, managers must take anti-discriminatory measures to promote non-discrimination. Besides professionals, educational institutions are taking measures to educate undergraduates. This will help them make a smooth transition into the global market. College professors assign essays about discrimination and how it affects society.

An essay on discrimination evaluates occurrence in different sectors. It also checks the impact on various groups. As a result, the coverage area is broad. If you are interested in the discrimination topic and want to create your own essay, explore short examples for writing your discrimination essay to narrow your scope. Each example focuses on different areas, and there are over 200 you can read. Below are the advantages of discouraging discrimination in an organization or company:

It Reduces Liability

Cases of accusations of discriminatory employment practices are high. They include hiring legal counsel and settlement costs. Apart from the actual price, it puts the company in a bad light. Compliance with laws helps to sustain diversity at work. It also eliminates biases.

It Decreases Staff Turnover 

Workplace segregation leads to conflicts that demoralize staff. In the end, they look for a job elsewhere. A reputation for allowing biased practices will destroy your recruiting prospects. You will lose candidatesto conflict and unfair treatment even if you hire candidates. Like most owners will tell you, turnover has an intangible and tangible cost. They include lost productivity from unfilled vacancies and increased cost per hire.

Better Employee Engagement

Engaged employees fulfill their tasks with enthusiasm and genuine interest. But all these will come to naught in a biased environment. Affected individuals will lose employee morale and performance. Ending segregation will create an inclusive environment. Every employee will believe you value their expertise and earn mutual respect.

Ways To Prevent Discrimination in The Workplace

People often view discrimination as a decisive event. In contrast, they include insignificant misbehaviors and minor transgressions. The common types include:

Retaliation: Bosses retaliate against employees for reporting illegal, unsafe, and illicit work behavior. It is also called whistleblowing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration allows reporting unsafe and unhealthy conditions. As a result, supervisors cannot take retaliatory disciplinary actions. Racial bias: It is illegal to segregate employees due to their background. Recent social justice movements have amplified the impacts of this discrimination. Hence, directors have to take measures to ensure the work environment is not racist. Disability bias: Bosses must not discriminate against an individual with a disability. Don’t exclude applicants from jobs if they can perform them with reasonable accommodations. Examples include flexible work schedules, wheelchair accessibility, and medical leave. Sex bias: It is illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation and identity. Employers can’t pay men and women different salaries based on their gender. Also, they must discourage inappropriate comments on their bodies. Ageism: Employers may not discriminate against candidates’ age. Instead, they must find ways to support older adults. They can’t use it as a preference for recruiting, promotion, or termination. Most people still commit the punishable act despite knowing the rules. Below are ways to stop discrimination in the workplace.

Develop Policies That Defines Rules and Procedures 

Anti-discriminatory policies vary from one firm to another. So, highlight yours and communicate it to employees. Include zero-tolerance harassment policies and encourage people to come forward. Well-defined rules and procedures notify everyone of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.

Investigate Complaints as They Occur 

Take measures to protect the confidentiality of anyone who makes a complaint. Also, investigate such on time and check on victims after they file a complaint. The gesture will help them feel more comfortable in the workplace.

Provide Various Channels of Communication 

Put in place measures and provide channels that ensure transparent communications. Create more than one channel to report and reduce discrimination. They include anonymous mediums, emails, or face-to-face interactions.

Anti-Retaliation Training 

Retaliation is one of the most common workplace discriminations. It occurs in cases where a charge fails to establish a violation of the law. Equip your management staff with soft and hard skills to avoid reactive behaviors. They must keep thorough documentation and have reasons behind their actions. So, when you fire an employee, you must have valid reasons. This way, the person does not claim the termination was retaliatory.

Encourage Team-Building Activities 

Encourage interaction and understanding by organizing team-building events. Activities like focus groups encourage diversity and inclusion and improve engagement. They also serve to help you collect feedback on workplace stressors and conflicts.

How Education Benefits Drive Equity and Inclusion in The Workplace

Diversity training plays an important role in educating workers about prejudices. As a result, some state laws mandate companies to conduct training programs routinely. Employees strive for a better outcome when they become aware of issues and policies. Several anti-discriminatory laws protect workers. They include:

American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA).Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 (PDA).Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA).Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA).Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA).Creating an inclusive workplace for businesses starts from the top down. Educate workers and establish a process for resolving issues. Don’t only write policies, but communicate them. It is also important to put team members through training and encourage participation.

Conclusion

There are different forms of workplace discrimination. But we have covered the most popular ones. Create a safe environment by creating policies. Also, take swift steps to prevent injustice. It is better than going to court, paying fines, and risking a dent in your reputation.