If you have felt discriminated at work, the reality is that you are not alone. You may also wonder whether what you are feeling is real, whether the actions, words or looks directed at you are actually discrimination or nothing more than workplace interactions and teasing. Are you exaggerating what you feel? Should you keep quiet or do something about it? While you ponder these feelings and questions, you may experience mental anguish, depression, lack of confidence or self-doubt. You may also be dealing with anger, bitterness and a huge desire to distance yourself from your work and from the person that is showing this behavior towards you.

What are the major types of workplace discrimination?

Mostly, evident discrimination manifests itself in these distinct ways:

• Intimidation
• Threats
• Other types of discrimination are much more subtle and harder to perceive.

Should you ask for help?

You may know that you should; however, the taboo surrounding this type of behavior leads many people to keep quiet. They figure it’s easier to keep quiet than to open a door that may lead to consequences that are hard to predict.

Don’t lose hope. These days, there are comprehensive federal laws that address the subject of workplace discrimination. They are designed to protect employees from being discriminated against.

What do these laws do?

They address discrimination on the basis of:

• Race
• Color
• Age
• Sex or sexual orientation
• Pregnancy
• Nationality
• Religion
• Mental or physical disability
• Being a whistleblower

Are there certain steps you can take to address workplace discrimination?

Yes, and here are some ideas for you to follow:

Start by keeping notes of what’s happened

If you don’t take action immediately after the incident where you felt discriminated against, don’t rely on your memory. Write down what has happened, when and by whom. Make notes on the place, time and day. The information will be very useful when you file a formal complaint.

Let your employer know

Don’t assume that your employer is aware of what has happened. You have to let them know. The only way for them to follow the law is for them to be aware of the situation.

Ask your employer to do something about it

Your employer should take corrective actions to take care of the problem. Disciplinary or corrective procedures must be implemented in order to make sure that these actions are not allowed to continue. Federal law dictates that they have to put an end to this kind of behavior, do the necessary research to discover what has been happening and respond to your allegation.

Contact the EEOC

You may face a situation where you feel that your employer has not taken your claim seriously, that no corrective actions are being taken, and that you have hit a wall. If that is the case, you should definitely consider filing a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Contact a discrimination attorney

If you feel alone, like nobody is listening to your complaint, if you think that it’s just too much of a hassle to go to the EEOC to file a claim, or if you are about to give up and just go look for another job, think again. Make an appointment today with discrimination lawyer Keith M. Stern. Tell him what’s happened and get started on your workplace discrimination case.