Federal laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on a person’s gender. Unfortunately, this does not prevent it from happening. Gender discrimination can jeopardize your career, your financial security, and your overall well-being. Find out how to identify it and ways to protect yourself.
Signs of Gender Discrimination
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on age, race, national origin, political affiliation, or disabled status. It also provides protections for those discriminated against based on their gender.
Gender discrimination involves bias in the workplace and in employment policies, treating one sex more favorably than the other. Common signs of gender discrimination on the job include:
- Hiring protocols and practices that vary based on gender, such as requiring more in-depth person information and judging appearances more harshly.
- Having different rates of pay for men and women or a glass ceiling, which limits promotions and how far someone of a particular gender can rise in the company.
- Requiring men or women to perform tasks that are not typically assigned to a particular position and are potentially demeaning, such as requiring you to fetch coffee or perform other menial tasks.
- Creating a hostile work environment, in which sexual jokes and innuendos that target someone’s gender are tolerated.
- Discriminatory policies in regards to employer-provided benefits, such as denying time-off for pregnancy or family reasons.
Protecting Yourself Against Gender Discrimination
One of the most obvious signs of gender discrimination is a pervasive attitude that one sex is better or preferred for a particular job than the other. If you suspect gender discrimination is happening at work or on the job site, it is important to be aware of ways to protect yourself. This includes:
- Keeping thorough records regarding your pay, position, and any promotions you may be denied;
- Requesting copies of all performance evaluations;
- Reviewing employment agreements and human resources manuals, noting areas in which your boss or supervisor fails to comply;
- Keeping a journal documenting gender discrimination you experience.
Is gender discrimination happening in your workplace? Reach out to our Chicago employment law attorney. We can help you file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) while negotiating with your employer to address the situation. If this fails to produce the desired results, we can assist you in filing gender discrimination lawsuit seeking job reinstatement, previously denied promotions or other benefits, and compensation for lost wages and other costs you incur.
Speak With Our Chicago Gender Discrimination Attorneys Today
At the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline, we act as a strong legal advocate on your side, protecting you against gender discrimination. To speak with one of our experienced Chicago discrimination attorneys, give us a call or contact our office online today.
