How to Cope When Faced with Discrimination at Work

Discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue and can manifest in many ways, going from subtle signs to a hostile environment. If you have been faced with discrimination at work, it can be extremely isolating especially if you do not feel like you have a safe place or trusted individuals to turn to. It also may be difficult to recognize all the signs or how to respond to them. Considering its negative impacts on well-being, it is important to understand what discrimination in the workplace can look like and how to cope with it.

Recognizing Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination at work occurs when an employee is being treated unfairly based on their identity, including race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or age. Sometimes it may be difficult to recognize it, as it may feel hurtful or uncomfortable at first when it occurs, but can take some time to identify what has happened. These actions can often get dismissed as harmless jokes or completely unintended, but when this behaviour is repeated it can no longer be excused as accidental and harmless. 

Some signs of discrimination at work include lack of diversity, offensive comments, denied opportunities, exclusion, and unequal pay. For example, if you have felt that many individuals in your workplace appear to be Caucasian and cisgender males, it may indicate a biased hiring process and can also be very isolating. This connects to exclusion in the workplace, as you may feel isolated and left out from social activities or conversations from the rest of the employees.

Coping Strategies

Facing discrimination at work can be distressing, but you are not alone and there are many coping strategies that can help you through this. 

If you experience discrimination at work, or see it happen to someone else, keep detailed records of such events and be prepared to report this behaviour. 

Experiencing discrimination in your workplace where it feels like no one is on your side can be isolating, which is why having a support system is so important. Connect with trusted friends or family members to share what you are experiencing. Also, consider joining support groups or other resources where other people have experienced what you have and can connect with you. 

Consider seeking professional help in therapy. Your therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies when experiencing discrimination and how to build resilience.

If you are currently experiencing discrimination at work and feel distressed, do not be afraid to reach out for help.

Click “Book Now” and book your first 15-minute free consultation to meet with a therapist and discuss your struggles. Remember that you deserve a safe work environment and standing up for yourself and getting the help you need is priority.