The Persistence of Workplace Discrimination in the 2020s
Work Life|Workplace discrimination remains a prevalent issue, with an increase in reports in the 2020s.
Personal Questions in Job Interviews
Asking personal questions during a job interview can meet the criteria for discrimination prohibited by the Equality Act. According to a recent study, especially young and middle-aged women are asked questions about their personal lives, either indirectly or directly.
- Tampere University has inquired about discrimination experiences in recruitment.
- Job applicants have reported inappropriate questions regarding pregnancy, having children, and caregiving responsibilities.
- Recruiters may explicitly state that going on maternity leave is not viewed positively or that the interviewee will get the job if they do not have children during their employment.
Research Findings and Insights
Researchers were surprised to find that all prohibited discrimination grounds mentioned in the law were present in the narratives, except for disability. These included factors such as nationality, health, age, and gender.
Associate Professor and workplace researcher Pasi Pyöriä noted the shockingly blatant discrimination experiences described in the data.
Increasing Reports of Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination remains a common problem. In the 2020s, reports of workplace discrimination to authorities have increased. For example, the Ombudsman for Equality received 372 reports of workplace discrimination last year, which was 43% more than the previous year. Researchers suggest that reports to authorities are just the tip of the iceberg.
The study conducted by Tampere University was published in the Adult Education Journal in 2024. The research team included Pyöriä, researchers Tuija Koivunen, and Heidi Lehtovaara.
Root Causes of Discrimination
Psychological factors, such as conscious and unconscious biases, contribute to discrimination. Examples include favoring similarity and stereotypical thinking about certain groups of people.
Employers may also fear the financial costs of parental leave and hesitate to hire candidates who are expected to take time off for family reasons.
To reduce recruitment discrimination, Pyöriä suggests various measures, including anonymous recruitment, which has been shown to decrease discrimination but is not foolproof.
Anonymity in Recruitment: A Solution?
Orchestras have been pioneers in anonymous recruitment. Musician auditions often take place behind a screen, shielding the recruiters from seeing the applicants.
- Screens began to be used in the United States in the 1970s and have been shown to reduce gender-based discrimination.
- Orchestras worldwide, including the Helsinki City Orchestra, use screens during auditions.
By using screens during auditions, orchestras aim to select the most suitable musician for the open position. Helsinki City Orchestra’s audition rules state that screens are used in the initial selection and the first round of auditions. The use of the screen is decided by the audition committee.
Last year, 45% of permanent musicians in Finnish symphony orchestras were women.
Conclusion
Workplace discrimination, especially regarding personal matters such as family and caregiving responsibilities, continues to be a significant issue in the 2020s. Organizations and policymakers must take concrete steps to address and eliminate discriminatory practices in recruitment and employment.
FAQs About Workplace Discrimination
1. How can individuals respond to inappropriate questions during job interviews?
Job seekers facing inappropriate questions in interviews can consider redirecting the conversation to focus on their qualifications and experience relevant to the position. If comfortable, they may also address the issue directly by stating that such questions are not appropriate in a professional setting.
2. What legal protections exist against workplace discrimination?
The Equality Act and other anti-discrimination laws provide legal protections against discrimination based on various grounds such as gender, age, ethnicity, and disability. Individuals who experience discrimination in the workplace can seek recourse through legal channels and relevant authorities.