61% of U.S. employees admitted that they had personally experienced or witnessed discrimination of some sort, either age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. According to the 2025 study by Diversity.com, about 40% of the staff still believe that discrimination is a current issue.
Workplace discrimination can be extremely annoying, stressful, and unfair. No one should have to worry about what others will do on the grounds of one’s color or ethnicity. Discrimination laws in states may vary. For instance, California takes these problems very seriously and protects workers very well.
What are your rights as an employee in California? Some of the fundamental rights that an employee in California may have are the rights to fair pay, a safe work environment, rest and meal breaks, protection from harassment, and many others.
Abuse at the workplace is a primary reason why you must be aware of your rights. When you know your rights, you tend to take steps to defend yourself and you know how to go about it if you ever become a victim of such treatment.
Let’s discuss how workplace discrimination is addressed under California legislation.
Overview of California Workplace Discrimination Laws
California has several rules that provide workers with a fair working environment and guarantee that they don’t receive discrimination on grounds of their race, gender, age, or disability, among other things.
Such laws basically give every person whom the law will protect an equal opportunity to prosper in their place of work, creating an environment wherein you can feel appreciated and respected. Under discrimination laws, you can file a complaint without fear of retaliation.
This system fosters a free climate for communication on discrimination issues and promotes growth. This knowledge is important and urges you to advocate for your rights and interests.
Remember, there are valuable resources that can provide guidance and support in achieving workplace considerations for all.
Protected Characteristics Under California Law
Workplace discrimination laws protect attributes that describe a person. California will absolutely not tolerate discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, national origin, sex (of any specification), gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.
This legislation provides room for somebody to feel respect and acceptance, regardless of any of the traits or identities they carry. These are personal traits and features that constitute a person.
Having knowledge about rights helps build a culture of diversity and guarantees equality. A healthy workplace is an environment where every worker must feel proud and needed.
Employee Rights and Protections
According to workplace discrimination lawyer Thomas A. Filo, all employees have rights and employment attorneys are responsible for protecting them.
The rights and protections given to employees should be studied and well understood by workers. Being discriminated against on the basis of such protected categories as race, sex, age, sexual orientation, or ethnicity is against the law, because you should be allowed to work in a pleasant atmosphere.
California law requires that a company have a code of conduct prohibiting abuse and discrimination so that employees feel safe and valued in the workplace. The company must see to it that every employee gets the same opportunity for different things, such as a promotion, training, or reward. If you think that you are being treated unfairly, you have the right to raise a complaint.
You must have confidence in your abilities and feel empowered while working. Doing this will help build an attitude of connection. Your rights stand between you and a positive environment for all employees.
Reporting and Filing Complaints
How do you fight discrimination and get compensation for it in a workplace setting? Record every incident as it takes place. Note times, dates, and witnesses. Then gather those emails or any other messages that would suit your allegations.
Have a look at your company’s discrimination policy. This will help you to determine the best approach for writing a formal report. The option could be taken or discussed with the boss or HR if it feels safe enough to do so. If not, then deciding together with a trusted friend might be a good alternative.
Another way would be for you to file a complaint through the DFEH website.
Legal Remedies and Recourse for Victims
When discrimination occurs against you in the workplace, knowing the laws governing such issues gives you the ability to attend to your rights. Several remedies can be pursued for your relief under California employment law.
You can choose to make a complaint to DFEH for their investigation and possibly get monetary compensation too. The case could also go to court, where the victim could ask for the money they lost, the pain and suffering caused by the crime, and the fine paid by the person who did it.
In this way, mediation or settlement could be a faster and cheaper way to solve the problem, since no one has to go through a long court case.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights and have them recognised in the workplace by the law.
