Discrimination In The Workplace

Executive Summary

In completing the survey it was evident that workplace discrimination is not as common as it is widely thought to be. The survey results showed that most people in this day and age have never experienced discrimination. Out of the ten surveys conducted only one individual from the general public had experienced discrimination in the workplace. To eliminate this sort of behaviour, a no tolerant attitude should be put in place. This would include the laws being tougher in order to discourage employers/employees from discrimination. Another approach to eliminate this sort of behaviour from arising in the workplace would be to appoint an anti discrimination officer to the workplace.

Introduction

Discrimination in the workplace is a common behaviour that occurs in all occupations and industries. It can occur whether you work for a large or small organization, you're a boss, or just starting out. Discrimination at work can take a variety of forms including, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sex, pregnancy or marital status, age, disability, and religion. Discrimination in the workplace has a serious affect on health, work performance and career opportunities. Over the past three decades there have been positive changes in workplace and public attitudes. These included changes in the levels of education required for jobs, and changes in the extent to which people were given control or empowerment in their work. The workforce of the 1980's and 1990's showed a larger number of women and a reduced number of workers older than 65. This is a significant change from 30 years ago where women had little to no opportunities or job security. Changes in gender and age of workers had a significant impact on the culture of today and influenced the pattern of work related standards such as the work ethic. Equality and job satisfaction in the workplace have greatly increased over the past three decades. This is partly due to the fact that laws against discrimination have been put in place.

Survey number QUESTION NUMBER

1 2 3 4 5 6 9 10

1 A Female A No N/A N/A c) c)

2 A Male A No N/A N/A c) c)

3 B Female B No N/A N/A b) a)

4 B Male B No N/A N/A c) a)

5 C Female C No N/A N/A b) b)

6 C Male B No N/A N/A a) a)

7 D Female C No N/A N/A a) a)

8 D Male C No N/A N/A b) a)

9 E Female C Yes e) d) b) a)

10 E Male C No N/A N/A a) b)

The spread of discrimination

When analysing the results of the survey it can be said that most people have not witnessed or experienced discrimination in the workplace. This was due to 90% of the people surveyed stated that they had not felt that they or their co-workers in their workforce had been harassed or discriminated in any way. These results indicated that the majority of employees/employers have an equal and discrimination free work environment.

However in one case a female had been discriminated simply for that fact she was pregnant. They dismissed her six months prior to her pregnancy affecting her ability to work. This made her feel reluctant to go back to work as her employer had made her feel unwelcome and discriminated against. It is easy to see that discrimination in the workplace has seriously declined from three decades ago, but still occurs and seriously affects ones life choices.

Overall the results indicated that discrimination is not a serious issue in the workplace. In comparing the results to three decades ago it can clearly be seen that discrimination has progressively decreased to this day. As thirty years ago a dismissal for no apparent reason would have been a common and no action could have or would have taken place. Three decades ago there was no anti