Workplace harassment on racial grounds is a severe issue affecting thousands of workers in California. This type of harassment is characterized by hostile and discriminatory behaviors based on a person’s race, skin color, national origin, or ethnicity.
According to studies from the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), 22% of Latino workers and 18% of workers of color reported experiencing racial harassment at work in 2020. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 6,847 complaints of racial discrimination in the workplace in fiscal year 2022, indicating a significant figure that warrants ongoing attention to the issue within the state currently.
We invite you to continue reading and learn more about it so that you can address the issue with your colleagues and take concrete action if you or someone close to you has experienced this type of offense at work.
Typical forms of workplace racial harassment:
- Derogatory comments or jokes about a person’s race or ethnicity.
- Intimidation or threats from colleagues or employers.
- Unequal assignment of tasks or responsibilities.
- Social exclusion or isolation.
- Unwanted physical contact.
Impact on the immediate work environment:
- Deterioration of the work climate.
- Decrease in productivity.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression in victims.
- Job abandonment or resignation.
Effective measures to combat racial harassment in the short and medium term:
- Implement anti-discrimination policies in companies.
- Train employees and supervisors on the issue.
- Establish accessible and confidential reporting channels.
- Investigate and take disciplinary measures in cases of this offense.
In summary, workplace harassment on racial grounds is a problem that requires urgent attention and action from national, state, and local authorities, as well as from employees and employers in the state of California. While the costs and impacts may seem minor, they become serious problems as the offense worsens or is hidden within the work environment. Therefore, taking professional and unified measures as a team will help create a fairer and more inclusive work environment for everyone.
Remember, you are not alone. We can assist you through our firm if you require legal advice or need to report a discriminatory act.
