Employee Experiences with Workplace Discrimination Law

Abstract

Workplace discrimination remains a pervasive issue with significant impacts on employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. This study aims to explore the nuances of employee experiences with workplace discrimination law, focusing on how individuals perceive, react to, and are affected by discriminatory practices in their workplaces. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 30 participants who had experienced or observed workplace discrimination. The study targeted theoretical saturation to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant experiences. Data were analyzed using NVivo software, which facilitated thematic analysis and helped identify key themes and categories within the interview transcripts. Three main themes emerged from the data: Perceptions of Discrimination, Experiences with Legal Processes, and Impact on Workplace Culture. Each theme included multiple categories, such as Legal Knowledge, Personal Impact, Reporting Procedures, Outcomes of Legal Action, Changes in Workplace Dynamics, and Long-term Effects. These categories encompassed various concepts like understanding of rights, emotional distress, confidentiality issues, settlement outcomes, changes in team cohesion, and shifts in organizational policies. The findings reveal the complexity of workplace discrimination and underscore the need for robust organizational policies and practices that can effectively prevent and address discrimination. The study highlights the importance of enhancing legal and procedural knowledge among employees, improving reporting and support systems, and fostering an inclusive culture to mitigate the adverse effects of discrimination on workplace dynamics and employee health.