Are You Being Treated Fairly at Work?
Most of us have to get up everyday and go to a job. There is nothing worse than driving to work, and dreading walking through the doors of your job. There are some of us who don't mind working if the pay is decent and there is a minimal amount of stress, but sometimes you are faced with some form of discrimination. Whether it is age, race, sex, or disability it is the most demeaning and humiliating thing you could ever experience in the workplace. Discrimination is alive and well in a lot of workplaces in our country, even now in 2011. I have heard many politicians say that discrimination has improved significantly in this country. I think this is the farthest thing from the truth. The truth of the matter is that workplace discrimination is worse than it has ever been. The recession has created employers who know you need a job, so they are given a free pass to treat you unfairly with little fear of consequences.
What you need to realize is that there is never a reason for an employee to have to go to work to be verbally abused and demeaned. I realize that we all have to make a living, but at what cost? Is it worth jeopardizing your health and emotional well-being? When a job begins to affect your health, it is time to prioritize what is important in your life. I believe that no job is worth losing your life over. I know so many people that have endured the stress and pressure of discrimination in the workplace, just to end up with high blood pressure, ulcers, strokes, heart attacks, and anxiety issues. Discrimination in the workplace needs to stop, and it will take people standing up for themselves and deciding that no matter what the consequences, you will not take this mistreatment anymore.
If you feel you are being discriminated against in the workplace, there are things you can do. First, try to have a conversation with the offender and see if maybe you misinterpreted their behavior. Sometimes communication can solve a lot of problems. If that doesn't work, make a formal written complaint to your Human Resources department. They have specific guidelines on how these issues should be handled. If the behavior continues, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and speak with a representative to see if you have a case of discrimination. If all of the above doesn't work, then you need to consider finding a new job. In this job market you may have to take less pay or drive a little farther, but it will be worth the peace of mind.
Everyone deserves to go to work and be treated fairly and with respect. Discrimination in the workplace should never be tolerated, and until people make a stand to stop this behavior, it will continue for generations to come.
