The modern day impact of discrimination at workplace
The modern-day impact of discrimination in HRM
There are no arguments that human resource management plays a strategic
pivotal role in the organization’s success. In terms of maximizing profit,
expanding market share, and dominance, these are the rewards which organizations
achieve through their human resource management.
Despite the strategic, pivotal role played by HRM in any organization, there
is growing concern that has emerged in terms of discrimination in the
workplace. Which has negative consequences for both employees and organizations.
Hence, discrimination needs to be overcome and condemned.
As a result of discrimination(Petrean A, 2018) in an organizational environment, productivity can be deteriorated. In addition, there are many impacts, such as increased turnover, damage to the reputation of the organization, reduced effectiveness of HRM practices, reduced job satisfaction and motivation and employees long-lasting health issues.
The act of treating someone differently or unfairly because of their age,
gender, race, handicap, religion or belief, marital status or civil
partnership, sexual orientation, or gender identity is known as workplace
discrimination.
Globally speaking, the UK government(Legislation UK, 2010) approved the Equality Act in 2010 to prohibit workplace discrimination. Research indicates that workplace discrimination costs the UK economy approximately 127 billion pounds annually(Brady D, 2018). Additionally, Sri Lanka's labor legislation and constitution guarantee against workplace discrimination.
Additionally, the sense of being invisible and unheard at work depresses and
lowers employee morale. Furthermore, there are other detrimental effects, such
as ineffective teamwork and a lack of involvement in tackling challenging
issues.
in Sri Lankan context, Mr. Krishan Balendra, the chairman of the John Keels Group( The morning e paper, 2019), claims that
following the 2019 Easter Sunday attack, JKH HRM took additional measures
to denounce the discrimination in order to create a united working environment.
For example, they sent a message in all three languages to the group to
increase awareness of the attack. He further underlined that their job
advertisements convey that every employee is given an equal opportunity.
Globally,(The guardian, 2021) Apple International employees anonymously reported sexual harassment, discrimination, and HRM's poor management in 2016.. Additionally, the #AppleToo, #GETOO (General Motors) (Stempel J,2025) and #Metoo movements raised awareness of workplace discrimination in the United States.
In conclusion, effective HRM practices, teamwork, morale, productivity, and
the performance of the organization as a whole are all issues that HRM needs to
address. Additionally, HRM should establish a channel for workers to safely and
confidently report instances of prejudice, and discrimination should be
condemned.
References
The morning e paper, (2019) JKH insists Sri Lanka ‘stronger united’,
BradyD, (2018) Workplace discrimination costs UK £127bn a year, says report,
The guardian, (2021), #AppleToo: employees organize and allege harassment and discrimination
Stempel J,(2025), US agency sues two automakers, alleging discrimination and harassment, Reuters
Petrean A, (2018), Consequences of Discrimination at the Workplace, adi.petrean@yahoo.com, A L Cuza university Romania, vol. 10, no. 1/2018, pp. 122-129
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ReplyDeleteHRM plays a vital role in organizational success, but workplace discrimination remains a pressing concern. Discrimination can have far-reaching consequences, including decreased productivity, increased turnover, and damage to an organization's reputation. It's crucial for HRM to address these issues and create a fair, inclusive work environment. By condemning discrimination and promoting equality, organizations can foster a positive workplace culture, boost employee morale, and ultimately drive success. Effective HRM practices are key to achieving this goal.
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ReplyDeleteWhile HRM is essential for organizational success, addressing and eliminating discrimination in the workplace is crucial to ensure a fair, inclusive environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThis conclusion highlights important aspects of HRM, emphasizing the need for good practices, teamwork, and a safe environment for reporting discrimination to improve overall organizational success.
ReplyDeleteDiscrimination based on age, gender, race, or religion causes employees to leave jobs and leads to big financial losses worldwide, including in Sri Lanka. By balancing these issues, HRM plays a strategic role in maximizing profits, market share, and growth.
ReplyDeleteThis is a thoughtful highlights that the key responsibilities of HRM. It aligns well with Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, where addressing issues like discrimination and providing safe reporting channels contribute to hygiene factors, helping to prevent dissatisfaction and improve overall morale and productivity
ReplyDeleteModern workplace discrimination harms employee morale, reduces diversity, limits innovation, and damages company reputation, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and practices.
ReplyDeleteTo sustain organizational success, HRM must proactively combat workplace discrimination through robust policies, inclusive practices, and transparent reporting mechanisms. Fostering equity and psychological safety enhances productivity, reputation, and employee engagement—key drivers of long-term competitive advantage.
ReplyDelete