Workplace discrimination is far more common than many people realize. Yet, in too many instances, those who have been discriminated against fail to notice what has been done to them, or the discrimination has become so prevalent that they’ve become desensitized to it. This is unacceptable, and it very well could have a negative impact on one’s mental wellbeing and his or her career.
What evidence do you need for your workplace discrimination claim?
That’s why legal action is oftentimes warranted in these cases. But before proceeding with a workplace discrimination claim, you have to make sure that you have the evidence that you need to position yourself for success. Here are some key pieces of evidence that you may want to gather to protect yourself in your case:
- Written communications, such as texts and emails, that undermine your employer’s argument as to why a certain employment decision was made or that demonstrate discriminatory intent.
- Performance appraisals that discount any arguments that an adverse employment decision was based on poor work performance.
- Statistics that show the demographics of the employer and its history of promoting, demoting, and even discharging individuals of a protected class.
- Any documentation of disciplinary history so that you can develop counterarguments that show that such discipline was unwarranted or was based on discriminatory reasons.
- Reports made to your human resources department and your claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Competently navigate your workplace discrimination case
Pursuing a workplace discrimination claim can be stressful, especially since it can have a direct impact on your income, your career, and your mental health. But you can be proactive in building your case so that you can give yourself the best chance possible of securing the outcome that you deserve.
Gathering the documents mentioned above is certainly important, but by speaking with an attorney who is well-versed in this area of the law you can gain a broader perspective and learn how you can develop the legal strategy that is right for you.