If you have experienced discrimination in the workplace, your first turn may naturally be to the company’s HR department. In a larger workplace especially, HR is meant to function as something of a neutral third-party between individuals and can help with some simple dispute resolution.
If however HR has not been effective, or if the problem persists, your next call should be to an employment lawyer. Most employment lawyers are proficient in handling human rights issues in the workplace, and understand the serious impacts that discrimination can have on your ability to do your job effectively. They will take the time to explain your options to you, whether that is through their involvement in writing a letter to your employer, pursuing a complaint before the human rights tribunal, or potentially filing a legal claim. There is a great deal of strategy behind each approach, and a lawyer will work to help you determine which one is best for your particular situation.
