A new report reveals that over 60% of Polish employees have witnessed discrimination, yet three-quarters of cases go unreported due to fear of repercussions.
Hidden Face of Discrimination: Exclusion and “Quiet Mobbing”
Workplace discrimination is evolving, shifting from overt conflict to more subtle forms like “quiet exclusion” and harassment. The report indicates that a significant number of employees experience injustice but hesitate to speak out.
Discrimination Without Shouting – Difficult to Grasp
Contemporary unfair treatment rarely manifests as open conflicts. Instead, it often appears subtly through exclusion from projects, isolation within teams, or dismissal of opinions, making it difficult to define and prove.
Origin as the Primary Factor
The most frequently cited reason for unequal treatment is origin, followed by gender, sexual orientation, and social status. This suggests that while the job market is becoming more diverse, genuine inclusivity is not always guaranteed. Discrimination often occurs between colleagues, but is also observed between employees and superiors.
Declarations Versus Reality
While Poles generally express openness to working with people from different countries and perceive employers as increasingly open to hiring foreigners, over 80% believe society still judges others based on stereotypes.
Abuse of Power and Mobbing
Abuse of power by superiors remains a significant issue, with behaviors including public criticism, unfair workload distribution, and undermining authority. These actions directly impact workplace atmosphere and trust, ultimately affecting company efficiency.
Systemic Inequalities Remain Visible
Discrimination affects various groups, with age being a particularly prominent concern. Most respondents believe individuals over 50 face limited job opportunities due to a lack of available positions. People with disabilities continue to encounter structural barriers, including inaccessible workplaces, insufficient support, and a limited number of job offers.
Diversity Without Preparation Creates Tensions
Growing team diversity doesn’t always come with adequate organizational preparation. Key challenges include a lack of diversity training, insufficient inclusive leadership, and inadequate mechanisms for addressing discrimination complaints.
Time for Systemic Change
Experts emphasize that diversity alone is insufficient. Real equality and appropriate regulations are crucial to unlock its full potential. Changes in combating discrimination should be systemic, with greater involvement from the government, not just society.
New regulations under consideration by the Sejm (Polish Parliament) include broader definitions of discrimination, increased employer responsibility, and easier access to legal recourse for employees.
