GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Employment Discrimination Statistics [Fresh Research]

Highlights: Employment Discrimination Statistics

  • 85% of workers believe that their workplace has measures in place to prevent discrimination.
  • The quantity of discrimination complaints submitted has generally been decreasing, with an average decrease of 3,000 to 5,000 yearly.
  • The employment rate of people with disabilities aged 16-64 increased to 31.4% in 2021, representing 3.6% of the total working population in the U.S.
  • People with disabilities experience an unemployment rate of up to 100% higher than non-disabled workers and only 38% of them are employed.
  • 75% of Black respondents experienced racial based discrimination in the workplace.
  • 66% of individuals 45 years and older are more likely to experience age discrimination in the workplace than younger individuals.
  • 61% of employees in the US have experienced or witnessed workplace discrimination, highlighting the prevalence of discrimination in the workplace.
  • 85% of workers believe that their workplace has measures in place to prevent discrimination.
  • The quantity of discrimination complaints submitted has generally been decreasing, with an average decrease of 3,000 to 5,000 yearly.

AI Transparency Disclaimer 🔴🔵

Find all AI Apps we have used to create this article.

Hint: If you are a student, academic or journalist we can wholeheartedly recommend them :)

✍ We save hours writing with Jenni’s AI-powered text editor* and also use Rytr* for creating articles.

📄 We find information more quickly in our research process by chatting with PDFs, Reports & Books with the help of ChatPDF*, PDF.ai* & Askyourpdf*.

🔎 We search for citations and check if a publication has been cited by others with Scite.ai*.

🤖 We use QuillBot to paraphrase or summarize our research.

✅ We check and edit our research with ProWritingAid and Trinka.

🎉 We use Originality’s AI detector & plagiarism checker* to verify our research.

Table of Contents

Employment discrimination is a serious issue that affects many workers in the United States. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to measure the extent of discrimination in the workplace. However, statistics can provide us with valuable insight into the prevalence of discrimination in the workplace.

In this blog post, we will explore the latest employment discrimination statistics and discuss what they mean for workers and employers. We will also discuss the various ways that employers can work to prevent and address discrimination in the workplace.

Employment Discrimination: The Most Important Statistics

17.9% of employed men and women have experienced psychological violence and harassment, 8.5% have faced physical violence and harassment, and 6.3% have faced sexual violence and harassment, with women being particularly exposed.

85% of workers believe that their workplace has measures in place to prevent discrimination.

The quantity of discrimination complaints submitted has generally been decreasing, with an average decrease of 3,000 to 5,000 yearly.

Employment Discrimination: Statistics Overview

The employment rate of people with disabilities aged 16-64 increased to 31.4% in 2021, representing 3.6% of the total working population in the U.S.

This statistic matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it highlights the progress that has been made in terms of increasing the employment rate of people with disabilities, while also highlighting the need for further progress to be made in order to close the gap between the employment rate of those with disabilities and those without.

People with disabilities experience an unemployment rate of up to 100% higher than non-disabled workers and only 38% of them are employed.

This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that people with disabilities are significantly more likely to be unemployed than those without disabilities, and that there is a large gap in employment rates between the two groups.

This highlights the need for more inclusive policies and practices in the workplace to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities.

Gender discrimination is a major issue in the workplace, with women earning 17.6% less than men, 42% of women facing discrimination, 23% of women regarded as incompetent, 67.5% of LGBTQ enduring offensive jokes, 31.3% of women of colour in the low-wage labour force, 6.4% of CEO positions held by women, and 28% of women in the US congress.

These statistics demonstrate the prevalence of gender discrimination in the workplace, and the need for greater gender equality and representation. This is important in order to ensure fair wages, treatment, and opportunities for all genders. It also highlights the need for increased diversity and representation in leadership roles.

The employment rate of women in South Africa is lower than that of men, with only 33.1% of women holding managerial positions compared to 66.9% of men.

This statistic is important because it highlights the gender inequality that still exists in the South African labour market. This inequality is further highlighted by the fact that the unemployment rate among women is higher than that of men.

This statistic is a reminder of the need for sustained campaigns for non-racialism and gender equity, and for the government to advocate against gender violence. It also highlights the importance of the National Development Plan (NDP) in promoting gender equality by calling for Local Government to include more women to represent all levels.

Discrimination against Black and Hispanic employees is significantly higher than White employees, with 75% of Black workers indicating that the discrimination they experienced was based on their race or ethnicity.

This matters because it highlights the prevalence of racial discrimination in the workplace and the need for employers to take action to prevent and address such discrimination.

Black workers are more likely to be underemployed and unemployed than White workers, suggesting racial discrimination in the labour market. This statistic is important because it reveals a clear disparity between Black and White workers in terms of employment opportunities.

This suggests that racial discrimination is still a major issue in the labour market, and that Black workers are not being given the same opportunities as White workers. This statistic is a reminder that more needs to be done to ensure that all workers are given equal opportunities regardless of their race.

Older workers make up a large portion of the U.S. workforce, but their participation declines rapidly once they reach their late sixties. Complaints of age-based discrimination have increased significantly, and companies have paid out over $90 million in settlements. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 provides protections for older workers, to combat ageism.

This statistic matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that ageism is a significant issue in the workplace, and that older workers are particularly vulnerable to discrimination. It also highlights the need for legal protections to ensure that older workers are not discriminated against.

The number of older Americans in the labour force has increased significantly over the past 35 years, and is expected to make up 9.5% of the entire workforce by 2030.

This statistic matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that despite the increase in the number of older Americans in the labour force, there is still a significant amount of age discrimination in the workplace. This is evidenced by the fact that 453,000 U.S. workers filed age discrimination claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission between 1997 and 2020.

61,331 discrimination cases were filed in 2021 with only 17.4% success rate; most common being retaliation (15%), disability (22,843) and racial (20,908) claims; since 1997, 1.8 million complaints have been filed with $484 million in settlements.

This statistic is important because it shows the prevalence of discrimination cases in 2021 and the amount of money employers have had to pay out in settlements. This highlights the need for employers to be aware of the potential for discrimination and to take steps to prevent it.

Racial, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination have increased significantly since the pandemic, with the most common form of discrimination being experienced by transgender employees. This matters because it shows that discrimination is still a major issue in the workplace, and that it is becoming more and more prevalent.

This has serious implications for employee morale, productivity, and overall job satisfaction, and can lead to a decrease in the quality of work and an increase in turnover.

There is a disparity between the employment opportunities of individuals with and without disabilities, however, there has been an increase in employment for both groups from 2020 to 2021. This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that while there is still a gap between the employment opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities, there is progress being made.

This is important to note as it helps to inform policy makers and employers on the current state of disability discrimination in the workplace.

White individuals with a disability were more likely to get a job than Black and Hispanic individuals with a disability. This statistic matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that there is a racial disparity in the employment of individuals with disabilities.

This statistic highlights the need for further research into the issue of employment discrimination, as well as the need for policies and initiatives to address this issue.

75% of Black respondents experienced racial based discrimination in the workplace.

This statistic matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it highlights the prevalence of racial based discrimination in the workplace and the disproportionate effect it has on Black individuals. This statistic can be used to inform policy decisions and help to create a more equitable workplace.

Black workers are more likely to experience racial discrimination in the workplace than other races; this matters because it highlights the need to address systemic racism in the workplace and ensure that all workers are treated equitably.

Women are more likely to experience gender discrimination in the workplace than men. This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it highlights the systemic inequality that exists in the workplace. It is important to recognize and address this inequality in order to create a more equitable workplace environment.

This article concludes that women in the workplace are more likely to experience gender discrimination than men, as women earn a quarter of what men earn solely because of their gender and perceived inferiority.

This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it highlights the prevalence of gender discrimination in the workplace, and the need to address this issue in order to create a more equitable workplace.

Muslim individuals are the most likely to experience religious and racial discrimination in the workplace, followed by Jewish individuals and then Christians, particularly Catholics. This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it highlights the need for employers to be aware of the prevalence of religious discrimination in the workplace and to take steps to ensure that all employees, regardless of their religious beliefs, are treated fairly and equally.

Religious discrimination is most prevalent towards Hindus and Muslims, and least prevalent towards Christians. This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that individuals from certain religions are more likely to experience discrimination in the workplace.

66% of individuals 45 years and older are more likely to experience age discrimination in the workplace than younger individuals.

This statistic is important in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that age discrimination is still a prevalent issue in the workplace. This statistic is especially concerning because it suggests that older individuals have a more difficult time finding a job than younger applicants, which can have a negative impact on their career prospects.

Older individuals are more likely to experience ageist discrimination in the workplace than younger individuals, as evidenced by higher rates of not finding jobs or being persuaded to retire earlier and bias in the recruiting process.

This matters because it shows that age discrimination is still prevalent in the workplace, despite older individuals having higher performance rates than younger individuals.

61% of employees in the US have experienced or witnessed workplace discrimination, highlighting the prevalence of discrimination in the workplace.

This statistic is important as it highlights the prevalence of discrimination in the workplace, which can have a significant impact on employee morale, productivity, and job satisfaction. It also serves as a reminder that employers need to take steps to ensure that their workplace is free from discrimination and harassment.

Discrimination is experienced by over half of workers in their current company, which is an unacceptable rate. This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it highlights the prevalence of discrimination in the workplace, and the need for organizations to take proactive steps to prevent and address discrimination. It also highlights the importance of creating a safe and inclusive workplace environment for all employees.

In 2020, the EEOC received the most claims of Retaliation (56%), followed by Race and Color Discrimination (38%), Disability Discrimination (36%), Sex Discrimination (32%), Age Discrimination (21%), National Origin Discrimination (10%), and Religious Discrimination (4%).

This shows that there is a wide range of discrimination occurring in the workplace, which is why it is important to be aware of the statistics and take action to prevent it.

Black women experience more workplace discrimination than white men (25% vs. 11%), which is important to consider when discussing employment discrimination statistics.

85% of workers believe that their workplace has measures in place to prevent discrimination.

This statistic matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that organizations are taking steps to address the issue of discrimination in the workplace.

This is important because it shows that organizations are taking proactive steps to ensure that employees are treated fairly and equitably. Additionally, this statistic provides a baseline for organizations to measure their progress in addressing discrimination in the workplace.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects workers 40 years and older from discriminatory hiring and employment practices based on their age. This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it ensures that employers cannot discriminate against workers based on their age, which can help to create a more equitable and fair workplace.

61% of Gen-Z employees would be more engaged and productive if their company was actively involved in addressing social issues, highlighting the fact that discrimination in a workplace decreases productivity and efficiency.

This statistic is important because it demonstrates the impact of workplace discrimination on employee engagement and productivity. Employers should be aware of the potential consequences of discrimination in the workplace, as it can lead to decreased productivity and efficiency. This can have a negative impact on the overall success of the company.

17.9% of employed men and women have experienced psychological violence and harassment, 8.5% have faced physical violence and harassment, and 6.3% have faced sexual violence and harassment, with women being particularly exposed.

This matters in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it highlights the prevalence of violence and harassment in the workplace, and how it disproportionately affects women. This can lead to a bad reputation for organizations, and further perpetuates discrimination in the workplace.

Race discrimination charges have decreased from 36.2% in 1997 to 32.7% in 2020, indicating that not much is being done to fight against employment discrimination.

This statistic is important because it highlights the lack of progress in tackling employment discrimination. Despite the decrease in race discrimination charges, the rate is still high and this indicates that more needs to be done to address the issue.

This statistic is also important because it provides a baseline for comparison and allows for further research into the causes and effects of employment discrimination.

The quantity of discrimination complaints submitted has generally been decreasing, with an average decrease of 3,000 to 5,000 yearly.

This is important to note in the context of Employment Discrimination Statistics because it shows that there is a trend of fewer complaints being submitted, which could indicate that there is less discrimination in the workplace. This could be a sign of progress in terms of reducing discrimination in the workplace.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, employment discrimination statistics are a sobering reminder of the challenges that still exist in the workplace. Despite the progress that has been made in recent years, there is still a long way to go to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally in the workplace.

Employers must take proactive steps to ensure that their workplace is free from discrimination and that all employees are given equal opportunities. It is only through a commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace that we can truly make progress in eliminating discrimination in the workplace.

References

1 – https://mydisabilityjobs.com/industry-news/disability-and-employment-statistics/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%203%20percent%20of,attached%20to%20the%20labor%20force.

2 – https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_norm/@declaration/documents/publication/wcms_decl_fs_87_en.pdf

3 – https://whattobecome.com/blog/gender-discrimination-in-the-workplace-statistics/

4 – https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=14606

5 – https://news.gallup.com/poll/328394/one-four-black-workers-report-discrimination-work.aspx

6 – https://www.epi.org/publication/labor-day-2019-racial-disparities-in-employment/

7 – https://builtin.com/diversity-inclusion/ageism-in-the-workplace

8 – https://www.seniorliving.org/research/age-discrimination-statistics-facts/

9 – https://www.zippia.com/advice/employment-discrimination-statistics/#:~:text=Our%20extensive%20research%20shows%20that,rate%2C%20at%20only%2015%25.

10 – https://www.wenzelfenton.com/blog/2022/07/18/employment-discrimination-statistics-employees-need-to-know/

11 – https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/disabl.pdf

12 – https://mydisabilityjobs.com/industry-news/disability-and-employment-statistics/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%203%20percent%20of,attached%20to%20the%20labor%20force.

13 – https://news.gallup.com/poll/328394/one-four-black-workers-report-discrimination-work.aspx

14 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612926/

15 – https://www.embroker.com/blog/gender-discrimination-in-the-workplace/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20recent%20survey,gender%2C%20they%20face%20gender%20discrimination.

16 – https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/12/14/gender-discrimination-comes-in-many-forms-for-todays-working-women/

17 – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23780231211070920#:~:text=Of%20the%2027%20percent%20of,of%20discrimination%20in%20the%20workplace.

18 – https://www.beapplied.com/post/religious-discrimination-in-the-workplace-mini-report

19 – https://vervoe.com/age-discrimination-facts/

20 – https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/people-managers/pages/combatting-ageism-at-work-.aspx

21 – https://www.wenzelfenton.com/blog/2022/07/18/employment-discrimination-statistics-employees-need-to-know/

22 – https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/6-statistics-to-better-understand-the-extent-of-discrimination-in-the-workplace?amp

23 – https://swartz-legal.com/common-workplace-discrimination-statistics/

24 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612926/

25 – https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/6-statistics-to-better-understand-the-extent-of-discrimination-in-the-workplace?amp

26 – https://www.uctoday.com/unified-communications/92-of-ceos-saw-positive-benefits-from-remote-working/amp/

27 – https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2021/05/26/workplace-discrimination-and-abuse-far-more-common-than-we-might-think/?sh=372212e246f7

28 – https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/fighting-against-employment-discrimination-40071

29 – https://www.enterpriseappstoday.com/stats/employment-discrimination-statistics.html

30 – https://www.enterpriseappstoday.com/stats/employment-discrimination-statistics.html

ZipDo, cited June 2023: Employment Discrimination Statistics

FAQs

What is employment discrimination?

Employment discrimination is the practice of treating an individual or group of individuals differently, or less favorably, based on their protected class status.

What are the protected classes under employment discrimination laws?

Protected classes under employment discrimination laws include race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy.

What is the difference between disparate treatment and disparate impact?

Disparate treatment is intentional discrimination, while disparate impact is an unintentional outcome of a policy or practice that disproportionately affects certain protected classes.

What are the remedies for employment discrimination?

Remedies for employment discrimination can include back pay, front pay, reinstatement, and compensatory and punitive damages.

What is the role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?

The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. The EEOC also enforces laws that make it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!