S. Anne Marie Archer
What Discrimination is and What it Isn’t

Discrimination at work is a serious issue that affects many people around the world. It is important to understand what discrimination is and what it is not, so that we can identify it and take steps to prevent it in the workplace. In this blog post, we will explore the definition of discrimination at work and provide examples of what it is, as well as actions by a manager that, while hurtful, are not considered discrimination.'
What is discrimination at work? Discrimination at work refers to any unfair treatment or harassment of an employee based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Discrimination can take many forms, such as:
• Hiring or promoting based on factors other than job-related qualifications.
• Paying different wages to employees who perform the same job.
• Subjecting employees to harassment or hostile work environment.
• Retaliating against employees who complain about discrimination.
• Firing or demoting employees based on their protected characteristics.
Examples of discrimination at work: Here are some examples of discriminatory behavior that employees may experience in the workplace:
• An employer refuses to hire an applicant because of their religion or national origin.
• An employee is subjected to racist jokes or comments by their coworkers.
• A female employee is paid less than her male counterparts for the same job.
• An employee with a disability is denied a reasonable accommodation that would allow them to perform their job.
• An employee is terminated because they are pregnant.
What is not discrimination at work? While there are many behaviors that may be hurtful or unprofessional, not all of them rise to the level of discrimination.
Here are some examples of actions by a manager that, while hurtful, are not considered discrimination:
• Giving negative feedback or criticism of an employee’s work performance.
• Failing to promote an employee due to lack of job-related skills or experience.
• Termination due to violation of company policy or poor job performance.
• Making decisions based on seniority or experience rather than protected characteristics.
It is important to note that even though these actions are not considered discrimination, they may still be unacceptable or inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
In conclusion, discrimination at work is a serious issue that can have a devastating impact on individuals and organizations. It is important to understand what discrimination is and what it is not, so that we can identify and address it in the workplace. By creating a culture of inclusivity and respect, we can work towards creating a more equitable and fair workplace for all employees.
Are you being subjected to discrimination at work? Are you working in a hostile toxic work environment? If yes, enroll in my April Masterclass, ““How to ask for an exit from a discriminatory hostile workplace with 💰 and actually get it”
You will learn how to get your employer to PAY YOU to leave a discriminatory hostile work environment without hiring an attorney or filing a lawsuit.
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