How to Avoid Workplace Discrimination

In an increasingly diverse workforce, the possibility of workplace discrimination rises. Whether incidences are intentional or unintended, a discriminatory act against a person in a federally "protected class" can lead to a claim and federal investigation. While most companies have procedures in place for dealing with a discrimination claim, it's better to implement strategies to avoid workplace discrimination in the first place.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• No-tolerance policy
• Employee-signed copies of this policy
• Written procedure for filing complaints

1. Know what is legally defined as workplace discrimination. Making derogatory remarks about a group of people or making hiring decisions based on a protected-class characteristic are discriminatory acts. It is also considered discrimination to withhold raises and promotions or terminate a person based on his class or refusal to perform sexual acts.

2. Learn the protected classes covered by anti-discrimination laws. A protected class is a group of people against whom it is illegal to discriminate based on a common characteristic. It is illegal to discriminate due to: race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, color, political affiliation or veteran or familial status. In some areas, it is also illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation, though it is not a federal violation.

3. Avoid workplace discrimination by developing a no-tolerance policy in regard to harassment and discrimination. Put the policy in writing and require every employee to read it. Have each employee sign a form indicating that she has been provided with a copy of the policy and keep these forms in personnel files.

4. Establish a procedure for filing complaints. The procedure should outline to whom complaints should be made and how they can be heard confidentially. It should also define an action plan for investigating complaints thoroughly and promptly.

5. Discuss the anti-discrimination policy in detail with your employees. Give clear examples of incidences of discrimination and share the consequences for such actions. At the same time, provide employees with the procedure to follow in order to file an internal grievance.

6. Provide diversity and sexual harassment training for all employees. Such training further clarifies what types of behavior are inappropriate. It will also provide strategies and solutions as to how a diverse workplace can function together as an effective team.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the possibility of workplace discrimination by encouraging employees to keep their personal lives separate from their professional lives. Along the same lines, keep a professional distance between supervisors and the employees who work under them. Employers and employees who socialize together risk being viewed as playing favorites, which can be misconstrued as and/or lead to discrimination.