Discrimination in the workplace is a universal problem, not just in Canada, but in workplaces throughout the world. As the focus of national economies become more globalized, there is an increase in the migration of labour, as organizations compete globally for the most talented employees. As a result of this migration of labour, workplaces are becoming increasingly diversified.
Although much is been done to promote diversity in the workplace, by high-lighting the advantages, there is also a dark-side to diversity as well. On the dark-side, diversity can sometimes give rise to ethnocentrism, in which one tends to view other alien ethnic or cultural groups according to one's own ethnic or cultural values, especially with the belief that one's own group is superior to other groups.
The situation can become more complex when economic factors such as competing for good paying jobs in a recessionary job market, are factored in. A failure to understand diversity in the workplace can often be associated with, or contribute to some forms of discrimination in the workplace.
The more evident forms of workplace discrimination are:
Although discrimination in employment can occur in many forms, some incidents will be overt, while others will be more subtle or in some situations concealed. It is important that you recognize discrimination and know your employee rights so that you can protect your legal rights if you have been victimized through discrimination at work.
It is also important to know what laws and legal resources are available to help you when you have been discriminated against. You need to also know the process and procedures of filing a complaint.