Introduction

Let’s be honest: navigating the workplace can be tough. But when the road gets even bumpier because of discrimination, it can feel downright impossible. Discrimination at work isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal. And yet, it happens more often than you might think. Recognizing the signs of workplace discrimination early on can help you take action to ensure you are protected.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 signs of workplace discrimination you might be experiencing. I’ve seen it all in my years as an employment attorney, and I can tell you that these signs are not just red flags—they’re alarms. Let’s dive in.

1. Unjustified Denial of Promotions and Advancement Opportunities

We’ve all heard the saying: “Work hard, and you’ll get ahead.” But what happens when you do everything right, and the promotions still pass you by? It’s frustrating, to say the least. But when you notice a pattern where less qualified colleagues, particularly those who don’t share your gender, race, or other protected characteristics, keep getting the nod, it’s time to take a closer look at whether workplace discrimination is at play.

Gender Discrimination Example: Sarah’s Story

Take Sarah, for example. She’s an experienced engineer who has consistently outperformed her peers. Yet, when it comes time for promotions, she’s passed over in favor of her male colleagues. The reasoning? “Men are better suited for leadership roles in engineering.” Excuse me? That’s not a reason; that’s blatant gender discrimination. And it’s a classic sign of workplace discrimination and that something is seriously wrong.

If you find yourself in Sarah’s shoes, it’s crucial to speak to an employment lawyers as soon as possible to make sure you are taking the appropriate steps to protect yourself. 

2. Disproportionate Criticism Compared to Peers

Let’s face it—no one likes being criticized, but constructive feedback is part of the job. However, when the criticism you receive seems nitpicky or unfair, especially when your peers aren’t held to the same standard, it’s a sign something is off; it’s a sign of workplace discrimination.

Color Discrimination Example: Marcus’ Experience

Marcus, a dark-skinned African American employee, started noticing that while his lighter-skinned colleagues got public praise and better shifts, he was always being picked apart for minor errors. Even though his work was just as good—if not better—his boss seemed to have a magnifying glass on everything he did.

This kind of colorism is a form of discrimination that’s as subtle as it is damaging. If you’re experiencing this, it’s essential to keep records of the praise and criticism you receive compared to your colleagues. Patterns don’t lie when it comes to identifying signs of workplace discrimination.

3. Hiring Decisions Based on Cultural “Fit” Rather Than Qualifications

“Cultural fit” is one of those buzzwords that can mean a lot of different things. Sometimes, it’s just a way for companies to maintain a certain status quo. If you’re highly qualified for a job but are told that you weren’t chosen because someone else was a better “fit,” you might be dealing with workplace discrimination.

Race Discrimination Example: Mei’s Frustration

Mei, an Asian-American woman, applied for a position at a company she was excited about. She had all the qualifications and then some, but she didn’t get the job. Instead, it went to a white applicant with less experience. During the interview, the hiring manager made a comment about wanting someone who would “fit in with the existing team culture.” Looking back, Mei realized that was code for preferring a non-Asian candidate.

This type of coded language is often used to justify discriminatory decisions. If you’ve experienced something similar, it’s important to remember that you have rights. And no, “cultural fit” is not a legitimate reason to discriminate against someone based on race or ethnicity—it’s a sign of workplace discrimination.

4. Sudden Negative Treatment After Disclosing Pregnancy

There’s nothing quite as exciting as sharing the news that you’re expecting. But when that excitement is met with a sudden cold shoulder at work, it’s more than just disappointing—it’s discriminatory.

Sex Discrimination Example: Jessica’s Reality

Jessica was on top of the world when she found out she was pregnant. But that joy quickly turned into stress when she noticed a change in her supervisor’s behavior. She was suddenly excluded from meetings she used to lead, and her responsibilities were quietly shifted to her male colleagues. Despite her track record, she was passed over for a promotion. The reason? Her boss suggested her “priorities might change” after having a baby.

This is a textbook example of pregnancy discrimination. If your pregnancy announcement is met with reduced responsibilities, fewer opportunities, or a general sense that you’re being sidelined, you might be facing illegal treatment.

5. Denial of Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is there to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. So, when an employer refuses to make reasonable accommodations or uses vague concerns about your abilities as an excuse not to hire you, it’s not just unfair—it’s illegal and a clear sign of workplace discrimination.

Disability Discrimination Example: Tom’s Setback

Tom, who uses a wheelchair, applied for a customer service position. He aced the interview, but the company ultimately hired someone else, citing concerns about Tom’s “mobility” in the office. The kicker? The job was primarily desk-based, and mobility wasn’t even a requirement.

This kind of discrimination can be particularly insidious because it’s often masked as concern. But let’s be clear—if you’re qualified for the job, your disability shouldn’t be an issue. Employers are required by law to engage with employees who suffer from disabilities to discovery accommodations that will allow them to perform the essential functions of their job without causing an undue hardship on the employer. If you’re employer is refusing to provide you with a reasonable accommodation or even engage in an interactive process with you to discover a reasonable accommodation that may work for your situation, it’s likely a sign of workplace discrimination.  

6. Dismissal of Religious Practices and Requests

Religion is a deeply personal aspect of many people’s lives, and it’s something that should be respected in the workplace. If your employer consistently denies requests related to your religious practices—while accommodating others—it’s a sign of workplace discrimination.

Religion Discrimination Example: Priya’s Struggle

Priya, a devout Hindu, asked for time off to celebrate a major religious holiday. Her request was denied, even though her Christian colleagues routinely had their requests for Christmas and Easter off approved. When Priya brought up the inconsistency, her manager brushed her off, saying, “We don’t have time for everyone’s special requests.”

Religious discrimination can often be subtle, but that doesn’t make it any less serious. If you’re being treated differently because of your religious beliefs, it’s important to seek legal advice, at this is a clear sign of workplace discrimination.

7. Frequent Inquiries About Retirement or Age

Age is just a number, right? Unfortunately, not everyone in the workplace seems to think so. If you’re getting a lot of questions about when you plan to retire or comments about being “old-fashioned,” you might be dealing with workplace discrimination based on your age.

Age Discrimination Example: Linda’s Dilemma

Linda had been working in marketing for over 30 years when a younger manager took over her department. Suddenly, Linda found herself on the sidelines, with fewer opportunities and constant comments about needing “fresh ideas.” Eventually, she was demoted while younger, less experienced colleagues were promoted.

This kind of treatment is not only unfair—it’s illegal. If you’re facing similar issues, document everything and make sure to label your notes “For My Attorney/Litigation” so that it is clear your note should be protected from disclosure in connection with a lawsuit. Age discrimination cases can be tough, but with the right evidence, you can fight back against this type of workplace discrimination.

8. Exclusion from Networking and Career-Advancing Opportunities

Networking is key to career advancement. But what happens when you’re not even invited to the table? Being excluded from important events or meetings can be a sign that your employer is holding you back because of your race, gender, or other protected characteristics and engaging in workplace discrimination.

Race Discrimination Example: Javier’s Exclusion

Javier, a Latino employee, noticed that his white colleagues were frequently invited to informal networking events with management. These were the kinds of events where promotions and opportunities were discussed. Javier, despite his similar position and tenure, was never included.

If you’re being left out of these kinds of opportunities, it’s a may be a sign of workplace discrimination. Remember, career advancement should be based on merit, not on who gets the invitation.

9. Being Assigned Undesirable or Less Valuable Tasks

Sometimes it’s not what you’re doing at work that’s the problem—it’s what you’re not doing. If you’re consistently assigned to less desirable tasks or projects, especially when others are given high-profile opportunities, it could be a sign of workplace discrimination.

Gender Discrimination Example: Laura’s Shift

After Laura disclosed her pregnancy, she noticed that her high-visibility projects were being reassigned to her colleagues. Her manager insisted it was “to help her out,” but these new tasks were significantly less valuable to her career progression. Despite her repeated requests to return to her previous duties, her manager wouldn’t budge.

Being sidelined like this is a form of discrimination that can seriously impact your career. If you find yourself in Laura’s situation, it’s important to work with an employment attorney to protect your rights and fight back against workplace discrimination.

10. Inappropriate Comments or Stereotyping

Finally, let’s talk about those offhand comments and “jokes” that aren’t so funny. Stereotyping based on gender, race, or any other characteristic isn’t just inappropriate—it’s a sign of workplace discrimination and a toxic environment.

Gender Discrimination Example: Rebecca’s Frustration

Rebecca was a strong, assertive leader, but during a performance review, her male supervisor told her she was “too aggressive” and should “tone it down” to be more likable. Meanwhile, her male colleagues, who had similar work styles, were praised for being assertive leaders.

This double standard is a clear sign of workplace discrimination based on gender. If you’re facing this kind of feedback, it’s important to speak with an employment attorney who can help you navigate the situation and take appropriate actions to be fully protected under the law.

Conclusion

Workplace discrimination is a serious issue that affects not just your career, but your mental health and well-being. If you recognize any of these signs in your own work life, it’s important to take action. Start by consulting with an employment attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand your options. Remember, you’re not alone in this—there are resources and people who can help you fight back and get the fair treatment you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights, call us at (727) 335-1030.