Discrimination is a situation that often occurs and you can encounter it in various places, one of which is at work. This can affect your morale, productivity and well-being. While some forms of discrimination may be obvious, others are subtle and difficult to recognize. For example, there are groups that are formed based on certain similarities that they have, and you are not allowed to join because of your differences. These similarities and differences, for example, are based on ethnic, class, gender, race, religion, physical condition, and other characteristics. In this article, Mutual+ will discuss the signs of discrimination in the workplace because it is very important for you to know so that you can take the right steps to overcome it. The following are some signs of discrimination in the workplace:
1. The interview questions that raise doubts
During the job interview process, the questions asked by the interviewer can provide an indication of potential discrimination in the workplace. Certain questions may raise doubts about a company's commitment to inclusivity and equity. For example, the interviewer asks about your romantic relationship or family wealth. If you experience a red flag interview like this, you don't need to answer all the questions honestly or even just be silent and don't answer them if you feel like it's too much. You have the right to maintain your privacy even though there is a risk of not passing the interview. Some of these types of questions can indicate a work environment that is not inclusive and uncomfortable for potential employees.
2. Unfair promotion opportunities
Unfair promotion opportunities occur when you as an employee with the same qualifications and performance don’t get an equal opportunity to be promoted at work. Discrimination in this case can occur based on various factors such as gender, race, age, or other factors that are not relevant to your performance or work ability. For example, only employees from certain groups get promotions, while other employees with similar or better performance are ignored. This can lower motivation and create dissatisfaction that can negatively impact your performance. Therefore, it is important for companies to ensure that the promotion process is based on objective qualifications and performance, without any discrimination.
3. Unfair task allocation
One of the signs of this discrimination in the workplace is when duties and responsibilities are given to you but are not fair. Usually discrimination based on work status often occurs, for example, you as a new employee are always given tasks that are considered to require more energy, while employees who have been working longer are given tasks that are considered less demanding. This makes you definitely feel unappreciated and become unproductive at work.
4. Unfair salary difference
One of the signs of this discrimination is very sensitive actually in the work environment. This sign of discrimination reflects the inequality in compensation for employees who have the same qualifications, experience, and responsibilities in the workplace. For example, the salary you receive is below the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) even though other coworkers get a salary according to the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) based on the same position and responsibilities. This is because the company doesn’t have a clear or transparent policy regarding salary determination, which can hide unreasonable salary differences.
However, there are indeed several companies that provide different salaries and benefits to their employees even though the duties and responsibilities are the same at work. Well, usually for something like this because the company has its own internal policy. For example, Some employees may have a higher salary and benefit compared to others for having a longer working period. So, you must be able to distinguish this one sign of discrimination!
5. Harassment and bullying
Harassment and bullying in the workplace are serious forms of discrimination and can have a devastating impact on both the individual experiencing it and the work environment as a whole. Both of these actions create an unsafe, unhealthy, and unproductive work environment, and can cause emotional, physical, and psychological stress for the victim! For example, you are often the target of jokes or negative comments related to race, gender, or other personal characteristics. This can cause you stress, lower your self-confidence, and create an unfriendly work environment.
6. High employee turnover rate
This last sign is also important for you! If many employees leave in a short time, this could be a sign that something is wrong at your workplace. These problems can be various, such as unpleasant bosses or coworkers, inappropriate work culture, or discrimination that Mutual+ explains in this article. Discrimination makes the work environment uncomfortable, so many employees decide to leave in a short time. So, pay attention to this sign because it can be a signal of discrimination in your workplace.
The differences between us should be something positive because with those differences, we can complement each other and see a problem from different perspectives. This helps us create a variety of solutions that are more creative and useful. Therefore, differences must be respected, not used as an excuse for discrimination. Remember! You should not rush to conclude that there is discrimination in the workplace. Maybe the difference occurs because you and your coworkers don't know each other yet. If you feel that discrimination is really happening, talk to someone you can trust and have authority over, such as HR. That way, it is hoped that the problem can be solved well and you can be more comfortable in working there. Keep fighting!
Sources:
Signs of discrimination at work - LifeworQ
Warning Signs of Workplace Discrimination - Polaris Law Group
Waspadai 7 Tanda Adanya Diskriminasi di Tempat Kerja Berikut ini! (glints.com)