What are the main types of discrimination in the workplace?

Asked by: Dr. Nona Brekke  |  Last update: May 10, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (65 votes)

Unfair treatment because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, age (age 40 or older), or genetic information.

What are 5 types of discrimination that can occur in the workplace?

What is unlawful workplace discrimination?
  • race.
  • colour.
  • sex.
  • sexual orientation.
  • breastfeeding.
  • gender identity.
  • intersex status.
  • age.

What are the 7 types of discrimination?

  • Age. Age discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) less favorably because of age. ...
  • Disability. ...
  • Genetic Information. ...
  • Unlawful Workplace Harassment (Harassment) ...
  • National Origin. ...
  • Pregnancy. ...
  • Race/Color. ...
  • Religion.

What are the 12 types of discrimination in the workplace?

California law protects individuals from illegal discrimination by employers based on the following:
  • Race, color.
  • Ancestry, national origin.
  • Religion, creed.
  • Age (40 and over)
  • Disability, mental and physical.
  • Sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions)
  • Sexual orientation.

What is the most common workplace discrimination?

Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination has become one of the most common forms of workplace discrimination claims made before the EEOC. For example, in 2019, a third of all discrimination claims alleged disability discrimination or failure to accommodate a disability.

Different Types of Discrimination Explained

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What are 4 examples of unfair discrimination?

The following would be considered illegal discrimination if there is evidence that the decision was made based on a protected characteristic:
  • Sexual Harassment.
  • Refusal to Provide Services.
  • Unfair Lending Practices.
  • Misrepresenting the Availability of Housing.
  • Refusal to Allow “Reasonable Modifications”
  • Refusing Rental.

How do you tell if you are being singled out at work?

Persistent Negative Comments: Regular derogatory remarks about your work, appearance, or background that demean or belittle you. Exclusion from Opportunities: Systematically being overlooked for training, promotions, or key projects without justifiable reason, based on prejudice.

How to prove discrimination at work?

To prove discrimination, plaintiffs must provide evidence that they: (a) are a member of a protected class, (b) are qualified for the position at issue, (c) suffered an adverse employment action, and (d) the employer treated similarly situated employees outside of the protected class more favorably (or some other ...

Can you sue your employer for unfair treatment?

Yes, you can take legal action against a company for unfair treatment. California's employment laws protect individuals from discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination. If you believe you've been treated unfairly at work, it's essential to understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you.

What is the difference between unfair treatment and discrimination?

The key difference between unfair treatment and workplace discrimination is that discrimination in the workplace is prohibited by law. Federal and state laws clearly state that employers cannot make employment decisions – such as who to hire, fire, or promote – based on protected characteristics.

What is considered discrimination at work?

Discrimination at work

Discrimination happens when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. EEOC laws do not cover all employers. Coverage is often based on the number of employees.

What qualifies as an EEOC complaint?

What Qualifies for an EEOC Complaint? The EEOC is responsible for investigating workplace discrimination and harassment complaints of any kind. This can include harassment or discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, age, or medical status.

What are the 14 protected categories?

The protected classes include: age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or any other bases under the law.

What are the 8 types of discrimination?

Types of discrimination ('protected characteristics')
  • age.
  • gender reassignment.
  • being married or in a civil partnership.
  • being pregnant or on maternity leave.
  • disability.
  • race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin.
  • religion or belief.
  • sex.

How to tell if your boss is discriminating against you?

8 Subtle Signs You're Being Discriminated Against at Work
  • Unfair Treatment in Promotions and Advancement Opportunities. ...
  • Unequal Compensation and Benefits. ...
  • Exclusion from Opportunities and Social Circles. ...
  • Microaggressions and Subtle Insults. ...
  • Unfair Disciplinary Actions and Scrutiny.

What is unfair treatment at work?

making offensive comments or exposing a colleague to offensive material at work; treating one worker or group of workers less well than others in terms of pay, benefits, or privileges; terminating workers based on reasons other than performance or conduct; and. any conduct that makes someone uncomfortable at work.

How do you prove you are being treated unfairly at work?

However, certain pieces of evidence can help you build your case, including employee records, witness statements, email notifications, pay stubs, or hiring policies. If you were wrongly treated at work due to protected categories, like age or race, it may be worth it to talk with an employment lawyer.

Is it worth suing an employer for discrimination?

The answer depends on your claims and willingness to pursue litigation. If your claims are strong and you are invested in the litigation process, it can be very “worth it” to feel you are standing up for accountability, getting compensation for your injuries, and incentivizing the company to change its ways.

Can I report my boss for mistreating me?

An employee that has been subject to any type of job discrimination or mistreatment may also file an EEOC complaint. The EEOC, or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, accepts complaints filed in person or by mail with the nearest office.

What makes a strong discrimination case?

The employee must first present evidence that he is a member of a protected class, he was qualified for the position he held, he suffered an adverse employment action such as being fired, and that he was replaced with another worker who is not a member of that protected class.

What is the McDonnell Douglas test?

The McDonnell Douglas test is a principle used in employment law to determine if discrimination has occurred in the workplace.

How to prove hostile work environment?

Furthermore, to prove a hostile work environment, employees must provide evidence that their employer failed to take action after the employee reported work environment concerns. Acceptable evidence includes documentation (emails or messages), incident reports, or potential witnesses.

What can I do if I feel I am being discriminated against at work?

You can file a complaint with OFCCP if you think you have been discriminated against in employment, or in applying for employment, because of your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or for asking about, discussing, or disclosing ...

How do you tell if you are being pushed out of your job?

Being moved to different tasks or given projects that don't align with your usual role—without any clear reasoning—can be a strong indicator that your job is being phased out. These shifts can feel disorienting, especially if they're drastic or occur suddenly.

How do you know you're not valued at work?

When you're not valued or appreciated at work, you'll find yourself doing the same repetitive tasks and not receiving new challenges. This is damaging because it has the potential to negatively affect your chances of being considered for a promotion or growth opportunities.