Workplace discrimination is a serious issue in workplaces throughout Ohio. Workers who are discriminated against don’t just lose out on opportunities for promotion, professional growth, and other work-related consequences. Victims of harassment and discrimination can also find their mental health suffering.
Safety + Health recently reported that workers who have experienced high levels of workplace discrimination also suffered “increased psychological distress.” This study highlights the importance of taking strong action to address discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
The link between discrimination and psychological distress
The study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, explored the relationship between workplace discrimination and psychological distress. Researchers studied over 1,500 workers, measuring the levels of workplace discrimination (low, intermediate, and high) and psychological distress. After adjusting for factors such as demographics and socioeconomic status, the researchers found a significant association between high levels of discrimination and increased psychological distress.
According to the study authors, these findings highlight the importance of committing to reduce discrimination at the organizational level. Such changes “will, in turn, support the workability of their workforce by contributing toward decreased psychological distress,” said Elizabeth Keller, lead study author.
What is unlawful workplace discrimination?
Broadly speaking, workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee differently because of a protected characteristic. Under federal and Ohio law, protected characteristics include:
- Race, color, and national origin
- Religion
- Sex, gender, and sexual orientation
- Age (if over 40)
- Disability
- Pregnancy
- Genetic information
- Veteran status
Examples of treatment that can rise to the level of illegal discrimination include:
- Passing someone over for raises or promotions because of their protected characteristic.
- Reassigning a worker to a less desirable shift or location because of their protected characteristic.
- Firing someone (wrongful termination) due to their protected characteristic.
- Enforcing workplace rules unequally based on employees’ protected characteristics.
Workplace harassment based on a protected characteristic can also be a form of unlawful discrimination. In order to be illegal, harassment must be “severe,” meaning very serious, or “pervasive,” meaning it happens with great frequency. If discriminatory harassment is severe or pervasive enough to alter the conditions of employment and create a hostile or abusive work environment, it is legally actionable.
What to do if you are a victim of workplace discrimination or harassment
If you are being harassed or otherwise discriminated against at work, you have several options. Depending on the type of discriminatory conduct, it may be important to report the harassment or discrimination to your employer; that way, they are “on notice” and can’t claim ignorance. You can also file a report with the appropriate government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
However, before you take action, it’s always a good idea to get legal advice. The experienced Ohio employment law attorneys at Gibson Law, LLC are here to help.
Talking to an employment attorney isn’t a commitment to file a claim or lawsuit; it’s an opportunity to get answers about your rights and options. Give us a call or contact us online today.
"Brad and his team were phenomenal in representing me in an employment issue. They were always responsive, even to minor questions. Brad took time to help me understand the process and the legal framework for my situation. I feel I had the best representation possible. I highly recommend Gibson Law." - Melissa S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐