Everyone deserves to be treated fairly at his or her place of work. Unfortunately, discrimination does take place, often in the form of wrongful termination or unequal compensation. If you believe that you have been the target of discrimination, there are several important steps you should take.
Hire a Lawyer
An employment attorney Jacksonville FL will be a great help in terms of handling your situation. Since employment attorneys specialize in workplace matters, they will be able to determine the best course of action. In some cases, that may be to file a complaint with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In other cases, it may make more sense to file a lawsuit.
Keep Detailed Records
The more data you have, the greater your chances of success will be. If you receive any written communication, like emails or text messages, containing demeaning language or other evidence of discrimination, make sure to forward them to a personal email account, print them out or take screenshots. If a manager makes an offensive comment, write it down along with the date and time that the incident took place.
Start Searching for Another Job
Even if you are not necessarily at risk of being fired or laid off, it will most likely be better for your well-being in the long term to leave a toxic workplace. At the very least, it is a good idea to have options in the event that the situation does worsen. So, update your resume and LinkedIn profile, tap into your professional network and start reviewing job sites for potential opportunities.
If you find yourself the target of workplace discrimination, it is important that you advocate for yourself. By contacting an attorney, maintaining a detailed log of incidents and being open to new employment opportunities, you will put yourself in the best possible position.
