While efforts are in place to stop workplace discrimination, it’s still happening in workplaces throughout California. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently updated proposed changes to its rules regarding workplace harassment for better and more protections for employees dealing with discrimination.
LGBTQ+
Some people within the LGBTQ+ community have called for protection against harassment for quite a long time. Because of that, the EEOC includes specific guidelines preventing any harassment towards this group of people. The guidelines specifically mention bullying, repeated or intentional misgendering and using slurs as examples of harassment.
Virtual and off-site protections
You may think that discrimination and harassment only happen while you’re at work. However, many harassed employees know that’s not always the case. An employee can receive harassment in online channels, such as on social media, in remote meetings or from workplace communication apps.
Updates towards religion-based guidelines
Religion is an understandably sensitive and important topic among many people. The EEOC aims to resolve this complex situation with new guidelines that no employee should feel uncomfortable about their religious beliefs. It also notes that no worker should make others feel uncomfortable based on what this person believes. These guidelines also apply to atheists or a lack of religious beliefs. The EEOC’s updated proposed changes also offer protection to employees facing discrimination based on receiving religion-related accommodations.
Employees and companies should expect these rule-related changes to take effect soon. Some expect the EEOC to begin enforcing their recently proposed changes before the end of March 2024. Most companies that take harassment and discrimination seriously should soon roll out updated announcements and training based on the EEOC’s changes.