Workplace discrimination can make it difficult for you to complete your job. It can also harm your mental and physical health, especially if the effects of the discrimination are severe.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it is illegal for anyone to harass you, deny you employment, pay you less or treat you poorly because of your religion, race, disability, sexual orientation, age or other identifying qualities. If you are the victim of discrimination at work, documenting every incidence can help you create a case.
1. Compile medical records
If the discrimination has affected you on a mental or physical level, compile any related medical records that could support your case. For example, if you now need mental health therapy because of workplace discrimination, obtain records of this treatment and the services you paid for.
2. Record verbal conversations
Maintain a personal record of any conversations you have with an employer or coworker that exhibits discrimination. In your records, indicate who you spoke with, what you talked about and the time and date the conversation occurred.
3. Watch your pay stubs
In some cases, a change to your normal working hours or the amount of payment you receive can be a sign of workplace discrimination. Pay attention to your pay stubs and the information they include.
The information you compile can be a valuable resource as you create a discrimination case against your employer or a coworker. Even if you do not feel like a conversation or piece of information has to do with your case, including it can still help you defend your interests.