Discrimination in the workplace happens far too often around the country, and those who experience such treatment might find their work environment hostile. However, not every instance of workplace discrimination is overt. New Jersey employees should remain alert to signs of intolerance and bias. When an employer embraces such behavior, a worker may need to take legal action.

Signs of workplace discrimination

Unequal pay represents a common way employers discriminate against their workers. Pay based on gender is generally illegal, and many companies hide such discrimination through rules that bar discussing salary and benefits among workers. When someone uncovers evidence about unequal pay, seeking legal advice might be necessary.

Discrimination may occur long before someone starts a job. Bias could prevent someone from receiving a job offer in the first place. Hostile employment interviews that involve asking irrelevant or leading questions might reflect an employer purposely wishing to disqualify a candidate. Unfortunately, many businesses could get away with such behavior because the job candidate doesn’t take any action after a discriminatory interview.

Noticing suspicious actions and behavior

An employer’s behavior and policies may raise suspicions. A pattern of actions may raise concerns about discrimination being part of a company’s culture. Consistently seeing discriminatory practices in job promotions or demotions might lead someone to wonder about management’s attitudes.

Sometimes, explicit statements or behaviors in communications might reflect discriminatory attitudes. Comments that reflect sexism, ageism, and racism are inexcusable and may provide sobering insights into management’s attitudes. And words need not be spoken, as memos and emails might reflect prejudices.

Anger and frustration might prompt an employee to explore a legal solution. Changes may never occur in the office unless the company faces financial losses from the behavior of its management.