Tips for documenting cases of workplace discrimination

Cases of discrimination at work are growing. Unfortunately, many employees are unsure how to protect themselves and their job if they find themselves in this situation. 

With a lot on the line, there are a few things to keep in mind as you move forward and report discrimination

Save all documents and paperwork

Having a paper trail is a must to prove discrimination occurred. For example, documents and paperwork will help you establish timelines while supporting claims if they are disputed. Save things like texts, emails and performance reviews that show signs of unfair treatment. It’s also not a bad idea to take photos of your work area or collect chat logs that will help you prove your discrimination claims. 

Create a record

You should also notify your employer, HR department or supervisor about the discriminatory treatment you have faced. Doing this will create a record that provides your employer the chance to fix the situation. It also allows you to counter an argument from your employer that they weren’t aware of the situation or misconduct.

Don’t quit your job

You may just want to quit your job rather than deal with discrimination. However, it may limit what remedies and legal options you must deal with the situation if you do this. 

Don’t sign anything

If you sign an agreement that provides you with a settlement to waive your rights, this may be a costly mistake. It means you are giving up legal remedies or financial claims for the discrimination. You may also be committing to a certain dispute resolution or things not in your best interest. 

Unfortunately, employment discrimination cases can occur in almost any field and industry. It’s up to you to take the right steps to protect your rights. 

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