Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee or group of employees is treated unfavorably because of specific characteristics. In Arizona, these characteristics are legally protected and include:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity)
- National origin
- Age (40 or older)
- Disability
Both employers and employees have roles to play in preventing and addressing workplace discrimination. Employers must create and enforce policies that prohibit discrimination and handle complaints promptly and effectively while employees should be aware of their right to a discrimination-free workplace and feel empowered to report discriminatory practices without fear of retaliation.
Know how to prevent discrimination
Prevention is the best strategy for combating workplace discrimination. Employers should conduct regular training sessions on workplace diversity and anti-discrimination laws. They should also develop clear, accessible anti-discrimination policies and include them in the employee handbook.
It is also a good idea to regularly review company policies and practices to better ensure they comply with Arizona laws and reflect best practices for fairness and equality.
Take steps to address discrimination
When discrimination occurs, it is important to take steps for legal and ethical resolution. The first step generally involves reporting any incident of discrimination. Employees should report the incident to a supervisor or designated HR representative. It is wise to keep detailed records of the discriminatory behavior, including dates, times, and witnesses.
Employers should then investigate the complaints and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.
Both employers and employees play an important role in keeping a workplace free of discrimination. Employers must provide a discrimination-free workplace, and employees should promptly report incidents. In some cases, additional action is necessary to hold the employer accountable for acts of discrimination. Understanding and addressing workplace discrimination is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment in Mesa, Arizona.