Types Of Discrimination At Work

Grouping the types of discrimination at work by protected attribute is the usual approach. Sorting them by the decision involved is more useful, because decisions are what you can audit.

• Hiring. Advertising, screening, shortlisting, interview questions and the offer itself.
• Pay and classification. Starting salary, increases, bonus discretion, how roles are graded.
• Allocation of work. Who gets the client-facing role, the stretch project, the overtime.
• Rostering and flexibility. Whose request is approved, and whose is treated as a favour.
• Development and promotion. Access to training, sponsorship and the criteria used to advance people.
• Performance and discipline. Whether the same conduct produces the same response.
• Exit. Redundancy selection, references and rehire eligibility.

Every one of those leaves a record, which is what makes this the practical way in. The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes guidance for organisations. This is general information rather than legal advice.

See Sentrient’s equal employment opportunity course and workplace compliance system.