According to a poll conducted by TNS Research Surveys, 68% of women in America say they believe gender discrimination is something that happens in the workplace. Despite the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Pay Act more than 50 years ago, millions of women across the country still feel they are being denied promotions and pay raises, are being mistreated by bosses and coworkers, and are not being given treatment equal to that of their male counterparts.

What Is Gender Discrimination?

Gender discrimination is unfair treatment based on a person's sex. Unfair treatment may include promotions, pay raises, or even sexual harassment and have a direct impact on gender imbalance in a workplace. While most gender discrimination is directed toward women, it is possible for anyone to be discriminated against because of gender.

How Gender Discrimination Affects the Workplace

Gender discrimination may lead to one or all of the following issues in the workplace:

• Lost Productivity: if employees have to focus on dealing with sexual harassment, the attention they are able to give work may be significantly diminished.
• High Employee Turnover: A hostile work environment may lead to a high employee turnover and cause negative effects of gender imbalance in the workplace. Employees who do not leave may be overburdened or distracted by having to train replacement employees.
• Damaged Morale: A hostile work environment can lower the morale of those directly affected, which can also lead to widespread discontent throughout the workplace.

Damage from gender discrimination can also extend to personal relationships and reputation (this is especially true when sexual harassment is the issue) and can even lead to mental or physical problems.

What Can Be Done About Gender Discrimination?

Gender discrimination in the workplace is something no one should have to endure. There are many negative effects of gender imbalance in the workplace. If you or someone you know has faced gender discrimination in the workplace, it is important to take action immediately. Report the discrimination to your employer's human resources department in writing and keep a copy for your own records.

If no action is taken after reporting, or if you face any retaliation for having reported, contact the employment attorneys at Barrett & Farahany, LLP at (404) 238-7299.