What Is Discrimination And Harassment In The Workplace

What is discrimination and harassment in the workplace, treated as two things rather than one phrase? They overlap and they are not the same.

Discrimination is about decisions and rules. Who was hired, promoted, rostered or dismissed, and what requirements were applied. It can be entirely impersonal, and much of it is committed by a process rather than a person.

Harassment is about conduct. What was said or done to someone, and how it affected them. It is personal by definition.

The practical consequence is that they need different controls. Discrimination is reduced by changing process, criteria and who decides. Harassment is reduced by changing behaviour and what a team tolerates.

Organisations that run one training module for both usually address the second and leave the first untouched.

The Australian Human Rights Commission covers both. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s EEO training course and respect at work training.