The Effects of Discrimination On the Basis of Sex
According to research conducted by Lean In, 73% of women still experience conduct that would be considered bias in the workplace, but less than a third recognize it when it happens. Despite the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Pay Act more than 50 years ago, millions of women across the country still feel they are being denied promotions and pay raises, being mistreated by bosses and coworkers, and not being given treatment equal to that of their male counterparts, all because of their gender.
These work conditions would understandably have an adverse effect on the mind of any woman who has had to work while experiencing gender discrimination. Learn more about the negative effects of gender discrimination with the help of the attorneys at Barrett & Farahany.
If you have experienced gender discrimination in the workplace, do not hesitate to contact us for help.
What Is Gender Discrimination?
Gender discrimination is unfair treatment based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity may include but is not limited to:
- Denied promotions and pay raises
- Requests for sexual favors
- Sexual harassment or unwelcome sexual advances
All three can have a direct impact on gender imbalance in a workplace. While most gender discrimination is commonly directed toward women, anyone can be discriminated against on the basis of sex.
How Gender Discrimination Affects the Workplace
Gender discrimination may lead to one or all of the following issues in the workplace:
- Lost Productivity: If employees have to focus on dealing with sexual harassment, they are not able to pay as much attention to their work as they normally would. This kind of behavior can be distracting as it happens, and for periods of time afterward, as victims try to avoid being in a similar situation again.
- High Employee Turnover: Hostile work environments are known to lead to a high employee turnover rate. When there are few experienced employees, productivity and quality of work go down. This is because employees who do not leave become overburdened or distracted by having to train replacement employees, and those replacement employees are not going to meet the success rate of employees with more experience.
- Damaged Morale: A hostile work environment can lower the morale of those directly affected, which can also lead to widespread discontent throughout the workplace. Who wants to come to a workplace where people are being harassed? Who wants to come to a workplace where everyone is constantly leaving? This can severely damage morale.
Damage from gender discrimination can also extend to personal relationships and reputation. This is especially true when sexual harassment is the issue. This can even lead to mental or physical problems in the victim, which can lead to every previously stated problem growing far worse.
What Can Be Done About Gender Discrimination?
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can help. The EEOC assists employees facing gender discrimination in several ways:
- Filing a Charge: Employees can file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. This is the first step in the process of addressing workplace discrimination legally.
- Investigation: Once a charge is filed, the EEOC investigates the complaint. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess whether there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred.
- Mediation and Settlement: The EEOC may offer mediation as a way to resolve the issue without going to court. This is a voluntary process where both parties try to reach a settlement.
- Legal Action: If the EEOC finds evidence of discrimination and cannot reach a settlement, they may file a lawsuit on behalf of the employee. Alternatively, they may issue a “right to sue” letter, allowing the employee to file a lawsuit independently.
- Guidance and Resources: The EEOC provides guidance on rights and responsibilities under anti-discrimination laws, helping employees understand their rights and the steps they can take.
These steps are designed to protect employees and ensure a fair and equitable workplace.
Contact Barrett & Farahany If You Have Suffered Discrimination Based on Your Gender or Sexual Orientation
Gender discrimination in the workplace is something no one should have to endure. There are many negative effects of gender imbalance in the workplace. If you or someone you know has faced discrimination at their place of employment, it is important to take action immediately. Report the discrimination to your employer’s human resources department in writing and keep a copy for your own records.
If no action is taken after reporting, or if you face any retaliation for having reported, contact the employment attorneys at Barrett & Farahany at (404) 238-7299.
