Van Nuys Workplace Discrimination Lawyers 

What Does Workplace Discrimination Look Like?

At Laurel Employment Law, we know workplace discrimination looks different from case to case. The acts and their outcomes are as unique as the individuals and organizations involved. 

However, discriminatory actions fall under a few general categories:

1. Unequal treatment: Discrimination may look like failing to hire, promote, assign jobs to, properly train, or give benefits to someone because of a protected characteristic. It may also look like disciplining someone for the same reasons. 
2. Harassment: Workplace harassment involves unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics, such as telling offensive jokes, saying derogatory comments, or making unwanted advances. 
3. Failure to make reasonable accommodations: In most circumstances, employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or religious beliefs. Not doing so can be discrimination.
4. Implicit bias: Workplace discrimination is sometimes subtle. Unconscious or implicit biases can lead employers to make decisions or judgments based on stereotypes or prejudices linked to protected characteristics.

What Should You Do If You Face Discrimination?

Facing discrimination can be emotionally difficult, evoking feelings of sadness, anger, and uncertainty, among many others. It is important to remember that you can take action and hold people and organizations accountable for their unfair treatment. 

If you have faced discrimination at your job, taking these steps could be beneficial:

• Document the incident(s): Keep a record of what happened to you. Be sure this record includes the date and time of the incident(s), as well as who witnessed it.
• Report the discrimination internally: Follow your company’s protocol for reporting discrimination. If you are unsure what this entails, contact your human resources department or manager for assistance. Once you make a formal report, obtain a copy for your records.
• Consult an attorney: Our discrimination attorneys in Van Nuys are always prepared to assist workers who have experienced discrimination. We can assess your situation, explain the applicable laws, and take steps toward seeking justice.
• File a discrimination complaint: If your employer does an inadequate job at remedying the situation, you may file a complaint with California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
• Explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR): You may be able to settle your case through negotiations or mediation. These will happen outside court and can expedite your case’s resolution. During ADR, it is still advantageous to have an attorney.