How to Respond to Certain Discriminating Situations at Work

Discrimination in its many forms can be found in any workplace. Whether you’re being discriminated against over your race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender or disability,  you have the right to complain and request your full rights. If you’ve been a victim of discrimination at work, Akhtaboot is here with some tips on how to deal with certain discriminating situations at work:
AGE DISCRIMINATION
Situation: You were turned down for a promotion that you totally deserve, because it was given to a younger or newer employee.

What you should do: If you feel like you’ve earned that promotion due to your growing skills and experience, then you have every right to file a claim. You can either negotiate with your employer, or speak to your HR manager. If your employer doesn’t see that you are fit for the promotion, then make a good case with quantifiable facts that can prove your candidacy for the position. Present your achievements using solid facts and results, and highlight your successes in a meaningful way.
GENDER DISCRIMINATION  
Situation: You were turned down for a position that you were qualified for due to your gender.

What you should do: Sometimes women are denied a position because they lack the ‘’masculine charisma’’ or for fear that they won’t be able to  handle certain tasks that might seem demanding. If you’ve been a victim of gender discrimination, then expressing how you feel to your superior is an important step in overcoming this issue. Talk to your manager, or relay your concern to the HR department.  Make it clear that you know what you signed up for and that you are ready to take the full responsibilities that come with this position.
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Situation: You’ve been treated differently at work because of your race, even though you’re just as qualified and talented as the rest of the employees.  

What you should do: It’s very infuriating to deal with a racist co-worker. You must however, remain calm. Do not fight fire with fire. Remain professional, and report the racist incident to your superior. Express your discomfort with the stereotype, and how it’s affecting your work productivity. The company is legally liable for the work environment, and for preventing any racial strife in the workplace. If talking to the management does not put an end to the co-worker’s racist comments, then do not fear filing a complaint.
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
Situation: Your work efficiency or ability to do certain tasks is under question due to your disability.

What you should do: It’s a common misconception that people with disabilities do not have the same cognitive abilities as others, and that is totally wrong. It’s completely normal to sometimes find it hard to complete a certain task on your own if you were facing physical challenges. Asking a fellow co-worker for help is completely natural. However, if you believe that your co-workers are undermining your abilities due to your disability, then you will have to talk to your superior and share your discomfort with this misconception. Express how your work capabilities are not tied to your disabilities, and give examples on how you usually handle challenging tasks.