Top 2 Signs of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace You May Be Ignoring

You may think you’ll never be discriminated against, but if you find yourself gender bias in the workplace, you are not only being treated unfairly, your employer is also blocking you from lucrative career opportunities due to their personal opinion. Their actions may not be apparent at first, but certain actions and circumstances should convince you into taking legal action against them. Here are some actions you should watch out for:

1. You Are Paid Less Than Your Male Colleagues for the Same Job

If you are doing the same work as your male colleagues but are being paid less than them – even though your performance is unquestionable, you are being discriminated against. This will also come into play during job offers and interviews when you are negotiating a salary package or a raise.

Most employers do this because women rarely argue or assume they don’t need as much as they think they do. Some may prohibit female employees from working overtime – but not their male counterparts on the assumption men don’t have to go home and look after their family. The bottom line is you have the right to make them fairly compensate you for the work you do. Their personal beliefs should not have an effect on their decision.

2. The Interview Process Is Different

Questions asked during the interview process should be the same for both genders, but women are often asked personal ones, which have nothing to do with the job. For example, it is illegal for an employer to ask if a female employee is married, has children or not, whether they intend to start a family, etc.

None of these queries have any bearing on the candidate’s ability to do the job. Most employers ask them to determine how much they will cost them as employees, rather than how they can be an asset to their business.

These acts are discriminatory and illegal according to the Illinois Human Rights Act. Besides gender, employees cannot discriminate in the workplace on the basis of ancestry, place of residence, color, religion, age, country of origin, and other aspects that can prevent a worker from befitting from workplace policies or opportunities.

If the previously mentioned circumstances seem familiar, you can press charges against your employer or against anyone who refused to hire you based on protected categories. Get in touch with the Law Office of Michael T. Smith today and allow us to fight for your rights in court if necessary.