20 Questions
Which one of these actions would be considered discriminatory in the workplace?
Firing a minority employee for poor job performance
In what situation can an employer require workers to speak only English in the workplace?
If it is necessary for business or safety reasons
What is the employer's obligation regarding an employee's religious observance?
To accommodate the religious needs of employees up to the point of undue hardship
Under what circumstances can an employer fire an employee for absenteeism?
If the absenteeism is due to racially or sexually offensive conduct by the employee's coworkers
What is required for a retirement plan to be considered voluntary?
To offer a reasonable amount of time for employees to decide whether or not to retire early
In what situation can an employer terminate employees due to relocation of a facility?
By offering relocation or commuting assistance to members of one class but not to members of another class
What is an employer's obligation regarding hiring a qualified applicant with a disability?
To provide a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant
What action would be considered discriminatory based on pregnancy?
Firing a woman because she is pregnant
Under what circumstances can an employer discipline an employee for not working on a day of religious observance?
If the employee's religious observance causes conflicts with other employees
What is required for an employer to bar the use of a language other than English in the workplace?
Sound business or safety reasons
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on assumptions about a female employee's commitment to her job?
Rejecting a mother of preschool age children for an executive training program
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on association with an individual with a disability?
Deciding not to promote an employee due to a family history of Parkinson's disease
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on sex stereotypes?
Harassing a self-described 'effeminate' homosexual male
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on military service obligations?
Discharging a military reservist for excessive absenteeism
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on ethnic slurs and jokes?
Failing to act upon a Muslim employee's complaints of ethnic slurs and jokes
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on caregiver responsibilities?
Denying a male caregiver leave to care for an infant
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on age?
Discharging minority employees in large numbers
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on sexual orientation or transgender status?
Firing an employee who has lodged a discrimination complaint
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on fear of developing a medical condition?
Deciding not to promote an employee due to a family history of Parkinson's disease
Which of the following is an example of discriminatory behavior based on a mother's parental status?
Rejecting a mother of preschool age children for an executive training program
Study Notes
Discrimination in the Workplace
- Discrimination can occur in the workplace through actions such as requiring workers to speak only English in certain circumstances, not accommodating an employee's religious observance, or firing an employee for absenteeism related to their religious practices.
Language in the Workplace
- An employer can require workers to speak only English in the workplace in situations where it is necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the business, or where it is necessary for the employee to effectively communicate with customers or coworkers.
Religious Observance
- Employers have an obligation to accommodate an employee's religious observance, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the business.
Absenteeism
- An employer can fire an employee for absenteeism, but only if the employee's absences are not related to their religious practices or other protected characteristics.
Retirement Plans
- A retirement plan is considered voluntary if it is offered to all employees, and employees are not required to participate.
Facility Relocation
- An employer can terminate employees due to the relocation of a facility, but only if the relocation makes it impossible for the employee to continue working for the employer.
Disability and Hiring
- Employers have an obligation to hire qualified applicants with disabilities, and to provide reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the job.
Pregnancy Discrimination
- It is discriminatory to take adverse actions against an employee due to their pregnancy, such as denying them a promotion or terminating their employment.
Religious Observance and Discipline
- Employers cannot discipline an employee for not working on a day of religious observance, unless the employee was given reasonable notice and was unable to perform the work.
Language Restrictions
- Employers can bar the use of a language other than English in the workplace, but only if it is necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the business, or where it is necessary for the employee to effectively communicate with customers or coworkers.
Discriminatory Behavior
- Discriminatory behavior can take many forms, including:
- Discrimination based on assumptions about a female employee's commitment to her job
- Discrimination based on association with an individual with a disability
- Discrimination based on sex stereotypes
- Discrimination based on military service obligations
- Discrimination based on ethnic slurs and jokes
- Discrimination based on caregiver responsibilities
- Discrimination based on age
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation or transgender status
- Discrimination based on fear of developing a medical condition
- Discrimination based on a mother's parental status
Workplace Language and Religious Accommodation Quiz: Test your knowledge on the legal requirements for language policies and religious observance in the workplace. Learn about the limitations employers face when enforcing English-only policies and the obligations to accommodate employees' religious needs. Challenge yourself with this informative quiz!
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