Recognising and identifying discrimination

Because discrimination in the workplace can take many different forms, it can sometimes be difficult to recognise, both for victims and for colleagues. Below are some examples of possible forms of discrimination at work:

• Offensive jokes from colleagues or managers;

• Not receiving opportunities for promotion;

• Receiving a lower salary than colleagues in the same position;

• Being dismissed because you become or are pregnant;

• Not being hired because of your background or physical characteristics.

These are all examples of negative discrimination. The opposite is positive discrimination, where certain groups of people are given preferential treatment.

People who experience discrimination often show changes in their behaviour. For example, they may suddenly withdraw from the social circle of colleagues or try to avoid certain colleagues. Sometimes discrimination can lead to the formation of cliques in the workplace. This is often accompanied by exclusion or social isolation. If you notice this happening to one of your colleagues, it may indicate that something more serious is going on.