When considering workplace discrimination, we usually consider factors like age, race, and gender. However, did you know that several employees have lodged complaints about being discriminated against at their place of work because of their chosen religion? Today, we will look at what an employee can do if they are deprived of better work opportunities, conditions, and higher pay only because they practice a different religion from their peers or supervisors.
Table of Contents
Keep Everything Documented
Keeping records of the discrimination, such as the time, date, and other details, can help solidify your case. You must also keep a written record of your conversation with your seniors at work regarding such discrimination and how they retorted to the same.
Spread The Word
When an employee is discriminated against based on religion at their workplace, they usually prefer to stay silent and withstand the discrimination. Usually, an organization works with a powerful team of lawyers, and this makes a single employee apprehensive about speaking up against workplace problems. But staying silent can make workplace bullies keep discriminating against others, whether based on religion or other demographics. Instead, you should speak up and share your experiences with others. You might go to HR or talk to the teammates you share your lunch with. There is a high chance that someone on the office premises is undergoing similar distress. Getting your word across can help you get a solid footing, as you might get someone to speak up alongside you.
Seek Support
You must understand that you are not alone, even when you are experiencing extreme discrimination in the workplace. If you can’t talk about it with anyone at work, you can always return to your trusted friends and family. For employees who have been experiencing extreme mental stress because of such discrimination, there is always an option to talk to counselors who can guide them toward the right path. Multiple social service organizations serve as the voice of employees who face discrimination. Taking their help can further strengthen your case.
Seek Legal Counsel
It is illegal to discriminate against employees in the workplace based on religion. It is the fundamental right of an employee to work freely without being subjected to religion-based biases. Nonetheless, suppose you experience such discrimination and all the above steps have failed to yield the desired results. In that case, you should seek the services of an adept law firm such as Sattiraju & Tharney, LLP. They will establish a strong case in your favor by gathering evidence, such as statements from colleagues who wish to speak out against discrimination. An experienced lawyer might talk directly with your employer to settle things out of court and, in the worst cases, file a case against your employer with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Conclusion
Our religion is deeply rooted in our core beliefs and our upbringing. We mostly follow the religion practiced by our parents, which we grew up watching. Being mocked or objected to for such practices at the workplace can be highly traumatizing for employees. It’s important to note that religious discrimination violates both federal and state anti-discrimination laws. New Jersey employers must offer proper religious accommodations so workers can carry out their religious practices easily.