While women have made great strides in the workplace, gender-based discrimination remains a significant issue. According to a recent Deloitte survey, 44% of women have experienced harassment or microaggressions at work.
However, only about one-fifth of these women report this illegal behavior. This lack of reporting can contribute to unsafe work cultures and perpetuate systemic inequity in many workplaces.
Reasons for not calling out illegal behavior
There are several reasons why women hesitate to report workplace discrimination:
- Fear of retaliation: Many women worry about punishment or damage to their careers.
- Lack of anonymity and trust: If they could report issues anonymously, a significant number of employees would.
- Distrust in grievance procedures: Women often believe formal complaints will not lead to meaningful action.
- Adverse outcomes: Many feel that filing complaints can do more harm to victims, leading to worse career and health outcomes.
- Toxic company cultures: Some are part of hostile work environments, which openly or subtly discourage reporting.
These factors create a challenging environment for women who experience discrimination.
Reporting discrimination benefits everyone
When you report discriminatory behavior, you help create a safer and more equitable workplace. Employees who feel safe and heard are more likely to feel valued and empowered, which can significantly boost morale, productivity and retention. By providing employers with data on misconduct, reporting enables organizations to make necessary changes to support systemic equity.
Increased reporting also promotes transparency and accountability within the organization. This fosters a work environment where women feel secure and supported in reporting misconduct. Transparency allows employers to identify trends, address issues and make strategic decisions to prevent future problems. This process helps reduce reputational risk and legal exposure, saving organizations significant costs.
If you experience discrimination in the workplace, skilled guidance from an experienced employment law attorney can hold employers and others accountable, ensuring a fair and respectful workplace for all.