Most reasonable accommodations at the workplace for people with disabilities cost employers little to nothing to implement, but the impact these have on employee productivity and satisfaction is priceless. Despite this, many employees continue to encounter improper denials of accommodation requests. Reasonable accommodations come in different forms, ranging from work schedule modifications and work-from-home arrangements to enhancing accessibility in the office. Overall, these adjustments aim to ensure that all employees have equal employment opportunities. If your workplace denies your reques ..read more

Recent data has revealed that 91 percent of employees in the United States who responded to a survey have faced discrimination in the workplace, whether it is based on race, gender, disability, status, age or other identifying factors.  This overwhelming number underscores the prevalence of discrimination within the workforce and highlights the urgent need for employers to take decisive action.  When an employee experiences discrimination in the workplace, it not only harms the individual being subjected to it, but also can cause significant repercussions for the employer. What are t ..read more

Many older employees are just as capable as are younger employees. Just about all employees, regardless of their age, are fit for their job. Unfortunately, some people don’t base their judgment on whether someone can do a job. They base their judgment on age, which is not only outdated but against the law. This is a form of ageism. Ageism refers to discrimination based on age. It is illegal and can manifest in different ways. Here are some outdated, yet common examples of ageism that still occur in the workplace. Belief that older workers can’t keep up with technology The belief that olde ..read more

Employees in the Washington, D.C. area, and across the nation are entitled to work in an environment where there is unlawful treatment by their employer. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and one of the most common violations of employee rights involves workplace retaliation. If you were a victim to any type of unfavorable response after filing a harassment or discrimination complaint, reporting an unsafe work area, or protesting an illegal activity, you may have the right to hold your employer accountable for this wrongdoing.   Of all the complaints received by the U.S. Equal E ..read more

Workplace discrimination can affect anyone, regardless of how hard they have worked to get to where they are in their career. Discrimination can manifest itself in subtle and hidden ways, such as through biases in hiring or promotion practices, or more overt ways, such as harassment or unequal pay. Discrimination is treating someone differently because of one or more protected traits. Suddenly, the place where you work and spend a significant portion of your day feels unwelcoming and hostile. This can adversely affect your overall well-being and work performance, leading you to underperform ev ..read more

Under federal law, your employer must consider your request for a reasonable accommodation for your disability. However, companies can deny a reasonable accommodation request when they have a valid reason to do so. Your employer should engage in an interactive process with you — which would require the employer to discuss alternatives with you if the accommodation you propose would not work for the employer. Understanding common reasons for the denial of a reasonable accommodation request can guide your next steps if this occurs. Reasons for denial Your employer can claim undue hardship, which ..read more

Genetic discrimination in the workplace can be a serious concern. Employees facing such challenges should be aware of their rights and the steps to address the issue. Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prevents employers from discriminating against employees based on their genetic or family history. If you find or believe you are being discriminated against, take immediate action. Understanding your rights Genetic discrimination manifests in different ways. Employers may refuse benefit options or charge different rates for life or health insurance. Management or o ..read more

Of all the different forms of discrimination and harassment that can happen in the workplace, among the most sensitive and contentious are those situations involving one’s race. These can take place in many different ways and can range from subtle and passively aggressive to outright confrontational. While we have come a long way as a society over the years, there are sadly still far too many of these racist occurrences in workplaces today. Racial discrimination is typically a situation where someone receives unfair treatment due to his or her race or because of certain personal traits that ar ..read more

Workplace discrimination can be a distressing experience for employees. Fortunately, the law provides a framework to address workplace discrimination. If you find yourself facing discrimination at work, it is important to know the key elements necessary to assert your legal rights. 1. Identifying discrimination The foundation of any discrimination lawsuit is a clear identification of discriminatory practices. In Washington, D.C., the federal and local laws prohibit discrimination based on various factors, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability. It is importan ..read more

Discrimination based on age is a real issue in the workplace. Ageism affects individuals across all stages of their careers and can occur in often subtle ways. Because ageism is not always obvious, employees should understand the different types of age discrimination in order to identify discriminatory practices. Stereotyping and preconceived notions One of the most common forms of ageism is the perpetuation of stereotypes about different age groups. For instance, older employees may find themselves unfairly labeled as technologically challenged, or resistant to change, or slower to complete t ..read more