Workplace Discrimination Training

Workplace discrimination training allows employers to create a positive and healthy working environment that enables a happier and safe workforce. Any person feels comfortable working in such workplaces irrespective of gender, class, race, beliefs, or other characteristics. So, workplace discrimination training helps them unlock the long-lasting potential of the employees and the organization.

What do You mean by Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination happens when someone treats an employee unfairly because of their sexuality, gender, age, race, disability, religion, etc. Employers may be breaking the law if they are handling someone differently because of having different traits than others. So, direct discrimination happens whenever a person does not get proper treatment compared to others. Discrimination against a person also occurs when s/he gets less salary than other staff members for no valid reason. On the other hand, indirect discrimination happens when a few laws and regulations put particular employees at a disadvantage.

What are the Various Forms of Workplace Discrimination?

Discrimination in the workplace can take various forms. Mentioned hereunder are the major factors that lead to unfair treatment of employees. 

• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Age
• Race
• Skin color
• Nationality
• Disability
• Sexuality
• Parenthood or pregnancy

What is Workplace Discrimination Training?

Workplace discrimination training is a program that educates employees on the factors that constitute unacceptable behavior and ways to avoid committing discriminatory acts in the workplace. Lawmakers design training programs to combat workplace discrimination. Such training programs help build an inclusive, positive, and productive work environment.

Discrimination programs are helpful both for the employees and the organization. They help employers and employees make better decisions in hiring, promoting, formal relationships, etc.

How does Workplace Discrimination Training Fight Unfair Treatment?

Workplace discrimination means discriminating against people because they belong to a certain race, gender, or group. A discrimination training program will help build a positive and productive work culture where every person feels comfortable in their place.

However, discrimination training aims to educate employees and employers on what constitutes unacceptable behavior or unfair treatment in the workplace. The training programs can take place through presentations, workshops, or activities.

What is the Significance of Workplace Discrimination Training?

Workplace discrimination training is significant as organizations have become increasingly aware of the damaging consequences of not having harassment and anti-discrimination program that reaches employees. 

Workplace discrimination can take many forms that can be illegal and harmful. Several laws prohibit making employment decisions based on an individual’s race, sex, disability, age, or other categories. These laws also protect the employees from retaliation, and it is the most frequent discrimination complaint filed at a workplace. Retaliation happens when an employer takes strict action against an employee who files a discrimination complaint or participates in investigating a case of harassment or discrimination.

Discrimination in the workplace causes problems for everyone involved. So, all employers and employees must understand their responsibility to speak up when they witness unfair treatment and contribute to discrimination, harassment, and a retaliation-free workplace environment.

How does a Well-designed Workplace Discrimination Training Program Work?

A well-designed workplace discrimination training program helps drive positive, inclusive behavior and strengthens the message that preventing harassment and discrimination is a strategic priority to ensure equal opportunities.

Discrimination training must raise awareness of the following factors.

• The various forms of discrimination
• How and when discrimination in the workplace occurs
• Consequences of violating the anti-discrimination laws
• Employer and employee responsibilities to prevent workplace discrimination
• Anti-discrimination policy and procedures

Why Should an Organization Invest in Workplace Discrimination Training?

Discrimination and harassment can take various forms which

• Creates an uncomfortable working environment,
• Stops the employees from performing to the best of their abilities,
• Restricts the employees from progressing in their careers. 

So, organizations must invest in workplace discrimination training as a moral and legal priority. Moreover, various acts and laws consider discrimination and harassment illegal and punishable offenses.

Cases of bullying and harassment in the organization often go unreported. So, organizations must ensure to respond to all individual incidents. They must take a firm position to generate a positive culture and healthy atmosphere in the workplace.

Workplace discrimination training will clarify what one considers appropriate behavior, promote positive practices among employees, and drive innovation within the organization. 

Reasons

Mentioned hereunder are five reasons why an organization must provide workplace discrimination training.

1. Discrimination and Harassment are Illegal

Several countries have implemented anti-discrimination laws for a long time. Since then, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation laws have witnessed expansion with the addition of protected classes. The situation has led to an increase in the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. So, organizations must have regulations for training as harassment and discrimination are illegal everywhere.

2. The Legal Cases are Costly

It takes time to resolve employee lawsuits that may create a costly distraction for any business. An organization must pay if such cases result in settlement and defense costs. New laws and increased media attention have helped empower employees to fight for their rights. So, they think taking action is easy and go straight to the court. The availability of free online tools also helps the employees discover the financial worth of their cases. Organizations can avoid bearing the cost of any legal case by providing evidence about meeting the various mandated training requirements.

3. An Organization must maintain its Brand Reputation

Clients often make dealing decisions by getting informed about an organization’s brand reputation. Employees, customers, or vendors spread words quickly through social media or word of mouth if an organization is not likely to be featured in a leading news story.

So, an organization’s culture must never tolerate discrimination or harassment. An organization is responsible for shaping its workplace culture. Its employees and employers must authentically believe that harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are illegal practices.

4. A Reduced Turnover

No one wants to work in a toxic workplace environment. Increased workplace harassment or discrimination often leads to increased costs and turnovers. Many organizations find it tough to retain productive employees. So, they must maintain a strong track record of prohibiting unlawful behavior as significant retention and hiring strategy.

A poor work environment within the organization causes employees to disengage from their tasks and demotivates their performance for the team and the business. A decrease in performance may lead to decreased customer satisfaction, less productivity and profitability, increased absenteeism, employee turnover, quality issues, and safety incidents. 

Final Words

A responsible organization looks for the well-being of its workforce and stands beside them. Workplace discrimination and harassment disrupt business and are damaging to employees. Unfair treatment can cause stress that contributes to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, lower self-esteem, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc. Employees may experience a financial impact that may result in leaves of absence, absenteeism, or quitting the job. Sometimes, these impacts extend to their family members and the community.

An organization that invests in workplace discrimination training can get multiple benefits like productivity and higher morale. So, they must invest a few of their finances towards conducting training programs that will result in a healthier workplace environment for every individual. Every employee has the right to feel safe in the workplace. So, they know that an organization cares about their well-being when it provides workplace discrimination training. 

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