212.627.8100The year 2020 dramatically affected so many aspects of our lives. Many offices closed their physical doors and moved their operations online, using video conferencing tools like Zoom to hold meetings. With many employees working from home, businesses had to adjust many of their practices and policies to accommodate this new reality. Even though several years have passed since then, many companies continue to offer remote work and hybrid opportunities to their employees. For many workers, the ability to work remotely continues to be an attractive option, and many businesses see the value in offering more flexibility in this area. However, just because remote work may feel less formal than going into the office every day, this does not mean that your status as an employee has changed. In other words, the same employment protections afforded to in-office employees still apply to remote workers, particularly when it comes to employment discrimination. In New York, state and federal laws still prohibit employers from tolerating or engaging in acts of workplace discrimination against employees—whether they are in the office or working remotely.
If you suspect that you have been the target of hybrid workplace discrimination in New York, it’s essential that you contact a highly qualified and trusted employment discrimination lawyer to report your concerns and assess your options for redressing this situation. Together, you can identify the most effective and strategic course of action that empowers you to push back against potentially unlawful actions on the part of your employer. Let’s take a closer look at some examples of remote work discrimination in New York and the steps you can take to hold your employer accountable for violating your rights.
Forms of Employment Discrimination in Remote Work
Even though an employee is not at the office or physical location of the workplace does not mean they cannot be subjected to acts of employment discrimination. For example, where an employee is denied promotions or assigned tasks based on a protected characteristic (i.e., age, race, sex, disability, national origin, etc.) that could constitute an act of workplace discrimination.
How New York Employment Law Applies to Remote Environments
As an employee in New York, it’s essential that you understand the federal and state laws that protect you from workplace discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). These laws protect workers, regardless of whether they are working in-office, remotely, or a combination of the two, from adverse employment actions based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. At the state level, the New York State Human Rights Law upholds the federal protections while also adding protections against discrimination based on arrest record, immigration status, domestic violence victims, and a few other protected characteristics. If you have questions about your legal rights under these employment laws and protections, reach out to a knowledgeable and trusted New York discrimination lawyer today to get started.
Proving Remote Workplace Discrimination in New York
With any claim of workplace discrimination, you will need to provide documentation and other forms of evidence that supports your case. The best way to ensure the strength and success of your employment discrimination claim is to partner with a highly skilled New York employment discrimination attorney who can help you review the circumstances of your situation and gather evidence to build a clear and compelling claim. For instance, you may include evidence like digital communications, records of critical meetings from which you were excluded, and other documentation that shows how you were deliberately denied employment and promotion opportunities. You can also use witness statements and internal complaints from other workers who have experienced the same adverse employment actions on the part of the employer. Since every case is different, it’s essential that you work with an experienced and knowledgeable legal advocate who can determine the most effective and strategic course of action.
Legal Options For Remote Workers Who Are Subjected to Employment Discrimination in New York
Suspecting that you have suffered employment discrimination can be overwhelming and isolating. You may be hesitant to speak up or report your concerns because you are worried that your employer will retaliate against you. However, state and federal laws prohibit employers from retaliating against or taking any adverse action against an employee who reports instances of harassment, discrimination, or unfair labor practices. The first step is to report the instance (or instances) of workplace discrimination to your employer according to the company’s policy. Next, it’s worth seeking the counsel of a dedicated and trusted employment law attorney to share your concerns. Once you have met with your workplace discrimination attorney to assess the details of your situation, you can file a claim with either the EEOC or the New York State Division of Human Rights. No matter what course your case may take, you can rely on your knowledgeable and caring legal counsel to provide you with the support you need to move forward with greater understanding and confidence.
If you have reason to believe that you have been subjected to workplace discrimination, the highly experienced and knowledgeable legal team at Levy Ratner is here to help you understand your legal rights and options. We encourage you to contact our New York office today at (212) 627-8100 to get started with a dedicated and trusted employment discrimination attorney.