What is Gender Discrimination?
Many factors go into an employer’s decision to hire, increase the pay of, or promote an employee. These practices are supposed to be based on the merit of an employee, such as their job performance or credentials. In some situations, other factors are used to assess the quality of an employee. However, it is illegal for an employer to base their decision making process on the gender of the employee. This is known as gender discrimination and it is illegal in the state of California.
How Can Gender Discrimination Affect a Company?
Gender discrimination can have negative consequences that affect the entire company. One of the most significant effects that a company can experience if they have been accused of gender discrimination is a high employee turnover rate. When word gets out that an employer discriminates against workers because of their gender, it can be every difficult to keep employees. Those that do remain in this type of work environment often have low morale and lack motivation to produce quality work. This can have a detrimental effect on profits and creates additional conflict among workers. Furthermore, it is very expensive to have to keep hiring and training new employees.
Gender Discrimination Likely Means a Lawsuit
Besides creating an uncomfortable and undesirable workplace, gender discrimination also opens a business up to a lawsuit. Employees are protected against gender discrimination under several laws, and have the right to sue an employer who discriminates against them. A successful gender discrimination claim can result with the employee receiving damages for back pay, future pay, and legal expenses.
Gender discrimination in the workplace is a prevalent issue, and no matter if an employee is at-will or not, they have the right to take legal action if they experience gender discrimination at work. However, gender discrimination cases are difficult to prove, which is why you should speak with an attorney if you plan to file a claim against your employer.
At Polaris Law Group, our friendly legal team can walk you through your case and advise which steps you need to take to get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact our Hollister employment law attorney today to schedule your free consultation.
