- Welcome to Mind Tools' Video Learning Series. 

Workplace discrimination is a painful and costly problem. It can damage your wellbeing, cause relationships to break down, and prevent you from doing your job. And the harm it does can ripple out to the rest of your team, even your entire organization. 

So what exactly is discrimination and what can you do if it's happening to you? There are several different types of discrimination to be aware of. 

Let's take a look at these now. Direct discrimination is when you're treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic, like ethnicity or disability. Maybe you've missed out on a job because of your age, sex or race. If so, you may well have experienced direct discrimination. 

Indirect discrimination is when a policy or practice at work, disadvantages you more in a general way. For example, if everyone's forced to take a vacation for religious events that only some people observe. 

You might face discrimination by association, because you're linked to a personal group with a protected characteristic. 

Discrimination by perception is when people assume something about you and you're disadvantaged as a result. 

Harassment happens when a protected characteristic about you is the trigger for unwanted behavior from others, like jokes, humiliating gestures, or offensive online comments. 

And victimization is when you're treated badly because you've raised a concern about discrimination or supported someone else to do so. 

Discrimination can take many forms, but it is always harmful. So if you think it's happening to you, you need to act. Here are three things you can do. 

First, know where you stand. Check national and local laws on discrimination, as well as any relevant workplace policies. Protected characteristics can differ depending on where you live in the world. And there may be lawful reasons, such as positive action, for some people to be prioritized at work. So, make sure you have all the facts to hand before you decide to take action. 

Next, explore informal solutions. Some problems can be nipped in the bud before they escalate. Talk to your manager or someone from HR and get their advice and support. 

If you're still unhappy, you may need to make a formal complaint. Follow your organization's grievance policy to do this, if it has one. If it hasn't, you may be able to take your complaint to an employment tribunal or seek advice from union representatives or government advice websites. Be sure to use all the help that's available, and present evidence to back up your claims, clearly and firmly. Unfair treatment can go unrecognized when people try to minimize it or completely ignore it. Don't let discrimination make you feel small or powerless. Know your rights and stand up for them safely and confidently. 

To learn more about discrimination and how to challenge it and protect yourself from it, read the article that accompanies this video. © 2022 Mind Tools by Emerald Works Limited.