Despite state laws, federal mandates and an awareness about the importance of diversity in the workplace, all workers do not receive equal treatment at work. Race discrimination is a problem for many Florida employees, and diversity is only one way to confront it. Misconceptions about what diversity is and how it's important can impact how effective these measures are.
Allegations of FMLA discrimination against home decor company
Florida employees have the right to speak out when they experience unfair treatment in their workplaces. Women who are pregnant or need time away from work for family-related needs could find that their employers act in a discriminatory manner toward them for taking rightful time off per the Family and Medical Leave Act. FMLA discrimination is a real problem, and it could be grounds to take legal action against an employer.
Employees have the right to take FMLA leave without fear
There are federal laws in place that protect the interests of workers who need time off from work for needs related to their families or medical care. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take time away from their jobs when necessary for serious family events, such as the birth of a child, or medical needs, such as caring for an immediate family member with cancer. Florida employees should be able to take FMLA leave without fear of recrimination from employers.
Sexual harassment remains a problem for women in tech
Women in various fields have experienced inappropriate treatment at work. The recent #MeToo movement shed light on how prevalent the issue of sexual harassment is in many different types of workplaces in Florida and across the country, including the tech industry. Female employees in this specific type of employment area say they are still experiencing sexual harassment in their workplaces and in situations related to their jobs.
Employers are responsible for development of a hostile workplace
A Florida employer does not have to be directly involved in sexual harassment in the workplace or be an instigator, but he or she is responsible for its implications. A hostile work environment can include behaviors such as inappropriate jokes, unwanted advances and any type of sexual harassment. It is recurring negative behavior that eventually makes it emotionally, psychologically and physically stressful for the victim to do his or her job.
Suicide risk higher for workers who experience sexual harassment
There are certain types of behaviors that have no place in a Florida work environment. Not only are things like discrimination and sexual harassment inappropriate, they can also have devastating consequences for victims. A recent study found that individuals who are exposed to sexual harassment in their place of work are more likely to consider or attempt suicide. This is a grave problem, and it is one employers should take seriously.
A close look at workplace discrimination
Every Florida employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from harassment and any type of discriminatory treatment. Unfortunately, many employees experience different types of discrimination at work despite both state and federal laws against it. Victims are often unsure of how to react to this, and they may not speak out due to fear of retaliation or disbelief.
Sexual harassment has serious health and safety implications
Women may be subjected to unfair and discriminatory treatment of a sexual nature in their Florida workplaces. Sexual harassment makes it difficult for a victim to do her job, especially when working in a male-dominated environment, such as a branch of the United States military. To fight sexual harassment and lower the chance of it happening at any level, the Navy is looking at ways to stop it before this behavior even begins.
Fighting race discrimination by promoting equity at work
Every Florida employee should be able to work in an environment that is respectful and professional. While there are state and federal laws that protect employees from racial discrimination the workplace, it is still an unfortunate reality for many. Employers should not only seek to protect employees from this type of mistreatment, they should also strive to promote racial equity in their workplaces.
