Workplace Discrimination & Harassment

Workplace discrimination and harassment can affect every part of your job—from hiring and promotions to pay, discipline, and termination. Knowing your rights can help you recognize unlawful treatment and understand what steps you can take if it happens to you.

This section of Worker Wisdom covers workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, hostile work environments, HR complaints, and other employee rights related to unfair treatment at work. Whether you’re trying to determine if your employer’s actions are legal, preparing to report misconduct, or looking for information about federal employment laws, you’ll find practical, easy-to-understand guidance here.

Our articles explain how workplace discrimination laws apply in real-world situations, what employers are generally required to do, and what options employees may have when problems arise. We also cover common questions about documenting discrimination, reporting harassment to HR, filing complaints, workplace investigations, and protecting yourself from retaliation.

Browse the topics below to find answers to your questions.

Workplace Harassment

Learn what legally qualifies as workplace harassment, how hostile work environments develop, and what employees can do when inappropriate conduct continues.

Articles:

Sexual Harassment

Understand your rights if you’ve experienced unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate comments, or other forms of sexual harassment at work.

Articles:

  • What Is Considered Sexual Harassment at Work?
  • Should You Report Sexual Harassment to HR?
  • What Happens After You Report Sexual Harassment?
  • Can You Be Fired for Reporting Sexual Harassment?
  • What Evidence Helps Prove Sexual Harassment?

HR Complaints & Workplace Investigations

Learn how workplace investigations typically work, what HR is responsible for, and what employees should expect after filing a complaint.

Articles:

  • Can HR Ignore Harassment Complaints?
  • Does HR Have to Investigate Harassment?
  • How Long Does an HR Investigation Take?
  • What Happens During an HR Investigation?
  • Can HR Keep Your Complaint Confidential?
  • What If HR Doesn’t Believe You?
  • What Happens If HR Finds Harassment Occurred?

Workplace Retaliation

Federal law often protects employees from retaliation after reporting discrimination or harassment. Learn what retaliation looks like and what your options may be.

Articles:

  • What Is Workplace Retaliation?
  • Can Your Employer Fire You for Reporting Harassment?
  • Can HR Retaliate Against Employees?
  • Signs Your Employer Is Retaliating Against You
  • How Do You Prove Workplace Retaliation?

Types of Workplace Discrimination

Explore articles covering discrimination based on protected characteristics under federal and state employment laws.

Race Discrimination

Articles:

  • What Is Race Discrimination at Work?
  • Examples of Race Discrimination in the Workplace
  • How Do You Prove Race Discrimination?

Age Discrimination

Articles:

  • What Is Age Discrimination at Work?
  • Can an Employer Force You to Retire?
  • Signs of Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Disability Discrimination

Articles:

  • What Is Disability Discrimination?
  • Can an Employer Refuse a Reasonable Accommodation?
  • Can You Be Fired Because of a Disability?

Pregnancy Discrimination

Articles:

  • What Is Pregnancy Discrimination?
  • Can You Be Fired While Pregnant?
  • Your Rights Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act

Religious Discrimination

Articles:

  • What Is Religious Discrimination at Work?
  • Can Your Employer Deny a Religious Accommodation?
  • Religious Dress and Grooming Rights at Work

Sex & Gender Discrimination

Articles:

  • What Is Sex Discrimination?
  • Gender Discrimination in the Workplace
  • Unequal Pay Because of Gender

Filing a Discrimination Complaint

If you believe you’ve experienced unlawful discrimination or harassment, these articles explain the complaint process and what to expect.

Articles:

  • How Do You Report Workplace Discrimination?
  • Should You Report Discrimination to HR First?
  • How to Document Workplace Discrimination
  • When Should You File an EEOC Complaint?
  • What Happens After Filing an EEOC Charge?
  • How Long Do You Have to File an EEOC Complaint?

Proving Discrimination & Harassment

Many employees wonder what evidence they need to support a claim. These articles explain what documentation may help.

Articles:

  • How Do You Prove Workplace Discrimination?
  • How Do You Prove Harassment at Work?
  • What Evidence Should You Save?
  • Can Text Messages Be Used as Evidence?
  • What If There Are No Witnesses?

Wrongful Termination & Discrimination

Being fired after reporting discrimination or because of a protected characteristic may violate employment laws in some situations.

Articles:

  • Can You Be Fired for Reporting Harassment?
  • Wrongful Termination Due to Discrimination
  • Can You Sue After Being Fired for Discrimination?
  • What Compensation Can You Recover?

We’re continually expanding this section with new articles covering workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, HR investigations, and employee rights. Check back regularly for the latest resources.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Employment laws vary by state and individual circumstances. If you need legal advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified employment attorney. Please read our Terms and Conditions.