Addressing Workplace Discrimination for Indian Employees in Europe: Professional, Legal, and Ethical Steps

As the Indian workforce continues to grow across Europe, many employees find themselves navigating complex workplace dynamics that can occasionally involve discriminatory or biased behavior. Addressing these situations effectively requires a nuanced approach, involving professional conduct, legal protections, ethical considerations, and the gathering of evidence. In this two-part series, we will explore common situations faced by Indian employees and provide step-by-step guidance on how to address them.

Situation 1: Subtle Racial Bias from Colleagues

Step 1: Professionalism First

When facing subtle racial bias, such as offhand comments about cultural stereotypes or exclusion from key conversations, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism. Don’t react emotionally in the moment. Instead, document each incident in detail — date, time, what was said, and who was involved.

Step 2: Initiate a Direct Conversation

If the bias stems from a colleague, address the situation directly with the person, but remain calm and diplomatic. For example: “I noticed that certain comments were made that seemed to focus on my background. I’m sure that wasn’t your intention, but I wanted to discuss it to avoid any future misunderstandings.”

Step 3: Seek Manager Support