U.S. Workplace Discrimination Statistics By Gregory Thyberg on September 21, 2018

In a meeting with employers at a companyEquality is an ongoing fight, whether it’s equality in society as a whole or simple fairness and fair treatment at the workplace. That’s why our Sacramento, CA workplace discrimination and employment law attorneys fight diligently for all of our clients.

To understand the nature of workplace discrimination, the legal team at ThybergLaw would like to go over some telling statistics about workplace discrimination in America. All of the numbers below come from the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Total Workplace Discrimination Charges

According to numbers from the EEOC, there were a total of 84,254 workplace discrimination charges filed in 2017. This is down from 91,503 charges filed in 2016. The 2017 figure is the fewest workplace discrimination charges filed since 2007, with 82,792 on record.

Cases of Employer Retaliation at the Workplace

Across the board, employer retaliation was the most common claim of workplace discrimination.

The EEOC recorded 41,097 cases of employer retaliation against employees, which comprised 48.8 percent of all workplace discrimination claims. That is slightly down from 42,018 retaliation claims made in 2016. This shows how common it is for employers to act against employees who speak up for what is right.

Cost to Employers and Earnings by Victims

The 84,254 workplace discrimination claims in 2017 resulted in an estimated $398 million in settlements and verdicts for the victims of workplace discrimination. On average, these claims cost workplaces approximately $160,000 on average in settlements.

Workplace Discrimination Based on Race

Race-based workplace discrimination claims comprised 33.9 percent of all claims in 2017. There were a total of 28,528 claims of race-motivated workplace discrimination. This is down from 31,027 claims of racial discrimination at the workplace in 2016.

Workplace Discrimination Based on Sex/Gender

Sex and gender-based workplace discrimination comprised 30.4 percent of all claims in 2017. There were a total of 25,605 claims of sex/gender-based workplace discrimination. That is slightly down from the 26,934 claims of sex- and gender-based work discrimination in 2016.

Workplace Discrimination Based on Disability

Workplace discrimination based on disability comprised 31.9 percent of all claims made in 2017. There were a total of 26,838 claims of disability-based workplace discrimination. This was down from 28,073 disability discrimination claims made in 2016.

Workplace Discrimination Based on Age

Age-based workplace discrimination comprised 21.8 percent of all claims made in 2017. There were a total of 18,376 claims of age-based workplace discrimination. This was down from 20,857 claims Mae in 2016.

Workplace Discrimination Based on Religion

Religion-based workplace discrimination claims comprised 3,436 claims of workplace discrimination in 2017, which is approximately 4.1 percent of all discrimination claims. This is down from 3,825 claims of religious discrimination at work in 2016.

Average Time for a Discrimination Claim to Be Resolved

Filing and processing a workplace discrimination claim can take time. On average, a workplace discrimination claim took 318 days to be resolved. That’s why it’s important to file your claim of discrimination as soon as possible and to seek out legal help early.

Learn More About Workplace Discrimination Laws

To learn more about workplace discrimination cases and how our employment law attorneys can help you, be sure to contact our team of workplace discrimination attorneys. The lawyers of ThybergLaw are here to help. You can reach out law office by phone at (916) 204-9173.

Related to This

Thyberg Law logo

Thyberg Law

Since 1981, Gregory A. Thyberg has been providing legal services to clients throughout Sacramento. With a focus on employment law, he can help you find a solution when facing discrimination, harassment, or other workplace injustices. Mr. Thyberg is affiliated with organizations like the:

  • California Bar Association
  • San Francisco Trial Lawyer’s Association

If you're experiencing unlawful discrimination in the workplace, request a consultation with Mr. Thyberg or call (916) 204-9173.

Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite