The Rights You Should Stand Up For In The Workplace

As an employee, you may sometimes feel like you have no power in the relationship with your employer at all. However, that’s not necessarily true. All workers are protected by rights that ensure they can’t be subject to a wide range of unfair or unsafe work practices. Knowing those rights and how to stand up for them can help you advocate for a workplace that much better suits the needs of you and your colleagues.

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Know Your Protections Against Discrimination

We live in a tense time, right now, and unfortunately, many have experienced an uptick in discrimination across the board. This can reflect in the workplace, too. If you feel like you’re experiencing unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics, it’s a good idea to start documenting specific incidents. Know that state protections can differ, so it’s wise to research them before approaching HR or management. Addressing these issues internally is best done by sticking to the facts, with organized points.


Don’t Let Bullying And Harassment Stand

Workplace drama and toxicity are, unfortunately, common. Sometimes, it can simmer under the surface, but when coworkers or higher-ups think they have the advantage, it can lead to workplace bullying. This can include not just outright hostility and intimidation, but isolating social hierarchies and repeated unfair criticism, which can be subtler and require more evidence to prove. Addressing these concerns with your manager can be the first step, but be sure to keep a record of incidents, including how you aimed to address them, and what steps, if any, were taken to resolve them. 

Health And Safety Deserves Immediate Attention

Every worker has a right to be free from illness and injury in the workplace. If an employer fails to address safety hazards, to provide the right training, or supply you with the right protective equipment, then you should aim to address them internally first. If they don’t take it seriously and it leads to an incident, however, turning to legal help like Hendrickson & Long, PLLC might be the next best step. Otherwise, these problems can continue to escalate until someone gets even more seriously hurt. Ensure accountability for the safety of you and your whole team.

Get The Pay You Deserve

Know what the laws are regarding minimum wage and fair compensation based on where you are. Make sure that you’re aware of the company’s approach to compensation structure, as well as overtime rules. If you think you’re not getting the pay you’re owed, then check to see if the company handbook lays out compensation policies aligning with your pay. If you’re noticing any unpaid overtime or withheld benefits, bring it up in a factual, solutions-focused manner first. Discrepancies and missing pay can sometimes be down to administrative errors, but ongoing issues can highlight a culture of neglect that you can address.

When addressing your rights in the workplace, it’s wise to pick your battles. Addressing them internally and creating a paper trail can always help when it comes time to battle it out legally, too.

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