As a California employer, you are responsible for providing a work environment free from discrimination and abuse. In certain places of employment, however, it can be difficult to monitor situations where certain types of discrimination may take place.
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there were 4,276 discrimination claims filed by California employees in 2019 alone. This number is thought to be much higher, as many people are afraid to file actual claims with the commission.
What is workplace discrimination
Workplace discrimination can take many forms. Discrimination occurs when people are treated differently due to their race, national origin, religion, gender, age, gender identification or sexual orientation. People who are treated differently because they are pregnant or have a disability may also be discriminated against.
What can you do to minimize discrimination
While you cannot control what behaviors employees will exhibit during the workday, there are things you can do to limit or minimize discrimination in the workplace and protect your company. These steps include the following:
- Create an employee handbook and ensure all employees have access to it
- Create clear and concise rules and regulations against discrimination practices
- Implement employee training teaching employees about discrimination policies
- Allow employees with discrimination complaints an easy route to file claims
- Allow the person who hired the employee to file the employee
It is critical to follow up on all discrimination claims. You should remain consistent on implementing punishment and consequences to those who have acted in a discriminatory fashion toward others in the workplace.
By putting strict guidelines in place and ensuring all employees are aware of these rules, you can help to minimize discrimination in your workplace.
