Forms of Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination manifests when employees are treated unfairly based on various factors such as religion, age, race, and gender. This often leads to disparities in promotions, salary increases, and compensation, even among individuals with equal qualifications. Below are some of the most common forms of workplace discrimination:
Age Discrimination
Discrimination among employees can occur due to age differences. Legislation has prohibited job advertisements that favor specific age groups for certain positions. Discrimination against employees aged 40 and above is considered illegal. Employers are mandated to select candidates based on their qualifications, without regard to their age.
Discrimination Against Individuals with Disabilities
Labor laws provide protections for employees with physical disabilities by preventing employers from asking certain questions related to disabilities during the hiring process or requiring medical examinations. However, if a candidate is hired based on their qualifications, the employer may ask about disability-related matters and request a medical examination to ensure that the employee can perform their job safely and effectively.
Gender Discrimination
It is illegal for employers to discriminate between employees based on gender identity without any relevance to the job or business operations. For instance, promoting an employee from a certain gender over others with superior qualifications constitutes unlawful discrimination.
Discrimination Based on Genetic Information
Genetic information is defined as the data and medical reports associated with an individual’s or their family member’s genetic tests. The law prohibits discrimination against employees or job candidates based on genetic information or their family’s medical history, except in cases of government investigations regarding discrimination claims or when mandated by the government to disclose genetic information about an employee.
Discrimination Based on Religious Beliefs
Favoring employees based on their religious beliefs, as long as those beliefs are not job-related or necessary for the role, is considered illegal. This form of discrimination may manifest as neglecting an employee in promotions or company events due to their religious attire or observance of religious holidays.
Discrimination Based on Race or Color
Legislation prohibits all forms of discrimination and unfair treatment based on racial origins or characteristics associated with race among job candidates or employees. This includes discrimination based on facial features, hair type, or skin color, especially when these characteristics are not relevant to job performance or business requirements.
Discrimination Against Pregnant Women
Employers are required to treat pregnant employees similarly to those with temporary illnesses or conditions. The law forbids workplace discrimination against women due to pregnancy or related health issues arising from pregnancy or childbirth.