Although discrimination can often be obvious, it isn’t always. There are times when discrimination is small, and builds up more and more over time, and very few people are aware that it’s even happening.
But there are subtle signs that you should look out for to keep your colleagues safe in the office. You can look out for these signs by paying attention to your colleague’s behaviour, and their interactions with other people in the office.
Depending on your colleague’s feelings, it might be wise to seek out legal help on the matter; finding an employment lawyer can be done quite easily by searching online. If you stay in Pittsburgh, an internet search of “discrimination lawyers in PA” will bring up relevant law firms.
Here are some subtle signs that your colleague is suffering from discrimination:
1. They’re quiet and withdrawn
If your colleague is usually quite social, but has suddenly become quiet and withdrawn, this could be a sign that they’re experiencing discrimination at work. Discrimination can make people feel isolated and alone, which can lead to them withdrawing from social situations.
This can be easier to notice if you are close to your colleague, and you are able to see the change. If you don’t know your colleague very well, it might be harder to spot this.
2. They’re always tired
Energy levels can be a good indicator of someone’s wellbeing, and this can count if they have been experiencing discrimination, too. If your colleague is always tired, even though they’re getting the same amount of sleep as they usually do, this could be a sign that they’re experiencing discrimination at work. Discrimination can be very stressful, and can often lead to people feeling exhausted.
If your colleague is always tired, and you can’t think of any other reason why this might be the case, it might be worth asking them if they’re experiencing any discrimination at work and letting them know they can click here for help and guidance.
3. They’re always angry
If your colleague is always angry, this could also be a sign that they’re experiencing discrimination at work. Discrimination can often lead to people feeling angry and frustrated. This is because they might feel like they’re not being treated fairly, and they might not be able to do anything about it.
A person’s behaviour can be a good indicator of how they’re feeling, so if your colleague is always angry, it’s worth asking them if they’re experiencing any discrimination at work.
4. They’re always sick
Feeling ill or experiencing sickness could be another sign that they’re experiencing discrimination at work. It can often lead to people feeling stressed and anxious, which can often lead to them getting sick. This is because their immune system is working overtime to try and deal with the stress that they’re experiencing.
If your colleague is always ill, and you can’t think of any other reason why this might be the case, it might be worth asking them if they’re experiencing any discrimination at work.
5. They have a lower than average work performance
If your colleague’s work performance has suddenly decreased, this could be a sign that they’re experiencing discrimination at work. It can often lead to people feeling stressed and unmotivated, which can often lead to a decrease in their work performance.
If you’ve noticed a decrease in your colleague’s work performance, and you can’t think of any other reason why this might be the case, it might be worth asking them if they’re experiencing any discrimination at work.
To Sum Up
If you think your colleague is experiencing discrimination at work, the best thing you can do is talk to them about it. You can offer them support, and let them know that they’re not alone.
You can also report it to your company’s HR department, so that they can investigate and act, or seek out legal advice.