Discrimination at work is a sad commentary on the modern society. “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn” lamented the famous poet Robert Burns.
This appalling facet of humankind exhibited throughout its history due to prejudice of race, colour, language, religion, sex, creed, etc cannot be tolerated at a place of work. If one needs to battle this, one should be careful to analyse the reasons behind this discrimination and try to stem it at the source itself. In other words nip it in the bud.
Discrimination at work can come in different shapes and colour. It could come from jealousy or ignorance. Therein lays the solution to battle it out.
How is one discriminated? And Why? It is quite possible that the colleagues at work have heard rumours about the person which could be true or not.
If it is true, a self-appraisal leading to an honest confession to the personnel at work, explaining what had happened earlier and expression of genuine repentance will go a long way in quelling any further discrimination. Take all those who look askance at you to a side and clear the air. Colleagues may then feel repentant and stop any further instances of discrimination.
If the discrimination is due to race, religion, sex or colour, we are faced with a larger problem. The solution to such problems may be sought with outside help and resources. For example, if someone in the office environment accuses you with a racial slur, you might like to take it up with a higher authority after warning the person initially that you will not tolerate such behaviour. If it involves colour, religion, sex or creed, you might like to resort to legal recourse. But remember, any legal involvement always leaves a bad taste in the mouth and must be used as a last resort.
Sadly there are no easy templates of solutions for discrimination and each episode must be tackled individually and on the content of ‘charges’ levelled against you.
However, what one should bear in mind is that how much of this discrimination you are able to tolerate without your getting het up about it. Was it intended in a lighter vein or was it a genuine insult? If latter, wisdom and patience and to a lesser extent, understanding have to be factored in while trying to overcome this problem.
But under no circumstance should one get angry or truculent and take on an abrasive and combative posture. Violence whether verbal or physical begets violence and one cannot afford to have his blood pressure shooting up and give cause for coronary concern.
Finally it may be a good idea to seek counselling and a good counsellor will most likely be of immense help in making your life in the office environment comfortable.