Some signs of workplace discrimination in New Jersey are more subtle than others. Overt displays of racial, sexual, or other forms of discrimination these days are rare as companies are acutely aware of their civil liability for fostering a hostile work environment.
Most companies now pay lip service to eliminate workplace discrimination but some fail to deliver on their promises to do so. Here is what you should look for to identity and snuff out workplace discrimination in your everyday life.
What are some examples of subtle workplace discrimination?
Nowadays, discrimination is often harder to parse out than in previous times, and may not be immediately obvious to victims’ coworkers – or even to themselves in some cases. Many workers don’t want to “make too much” of a situation and appear overly sensitive due to social anxiety or fear of professional repercussions.
Examples of subtle workplace discrimination include a pattern of turning down applicants (or firing applicants) of a specific race, gender, or sexual orientation, the display of sexist or racist images or memes (even in joke form), or making seemingly innocent comments about a worker’s appearance.
The power imbalance factor in workplace discrimination
Although this is not always the case, workplace discrimination and harassment often occur in the context of a power imbalance – i.e., the abuse of a position of authority by a boss or executive.
Eliminating subtle workplace discrimination
New Jersey law protects whistleblowers who expose discrimination. If you see something, even if you don’t experience the discrimination yourself, blowing the whistle on these types of discrimination makes the world a better place for everyone.
The law was designed to empower workers to stand up for their own rights as well as those of their fellow workers. Bringing these unfair business practices to the light of day is the best disinfectant.