GITNUXREPORT 2025

Employment Discrimination Statistics

Workplace discrimination affects approximately 30% of employees across marginalized groups.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Women of color face discrimination at a rate 1.2 times higher than white women

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Women are 50% more likely than men to experience discrimination related to family responsibilities

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The diversity gap in executive leadership remains significant, with only about 10% of C-suite positions held by minorities, which can be linked to workplace discrimination

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About 60% of respondents in a survey experienced workplace discrimination based on race or ethnicity

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Discrimination based on religion accounts for approximately 20% of all workplace complaints

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Among gender minorities, nearly 40% have experienced workplace discrimination or harassment

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Nearly 35% of transgender employees report experiencing workplace discrimination

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Around 26% of employees have witnessed discrimination or harassment in their workplace

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In a survey, 40% of LGBTQ respondents reported experiencing workplace discrimination

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Only 1 in 4 people who experience discrimination at work file a complaint, indicating underreporting

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Workplace harassment, including discrimination, accounts for over 25% of complaints received by the EEOC annually

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Discrimination based on disability remains underreported, with only 1 in 10 cases resulting in a formal complaint

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55% of LGBT employees experience microaggressions at work, contributing to mental health issues

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Discrimination based on hairstyles and cultural dress, particularly affecting Black employees, has been reported by over 40% of respondents in recent surveys

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Nearly 80% of individuals who experience discrimination do not report it to HR or management, leading to under-enforcement

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Worker surveys show that minorities are 30% more likely to face discrimination when seeking promotions or raises, affecting career advancement

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Black women experience workplace discrimination at higher rates than women of other races, with nearly 55% reporting negative experiences

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The likelihood of experiencing discrimination increases in predominantly homogeneous workplaces, with 35% of minority employees reporting feeling isolated or targeted

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Nearly 85% of discrimination incidents go unreported, causing underestimation of the true scale of employment bias

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55% of transgender workers have reported experiencing some form of employment discrimination or harassment, often leading to job loss

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Workplace discrimination contributes to a 15-20% wage gap between marginalized groups and the majority group

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Workplace discrimination contributes to income inequality, with marginalized groups earning on average 20-30% less than their counterparts

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The wage penalty for employees who face racial or ethnic discrimination can be as high as 10-15%, translating into thousands of dollars annually

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Nearly 30% of LGBT workers in the U.S. have experienced employment discrimination

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Women are 25% more likely than men to experience workplace discrimination based on gender

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African Americans face discrimination charges at twice the rate of white employees in the workplace

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About 30% of employees report experiencing age discrimination in the workplace

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Nearly 50% of disabled workers have reported experiencing some form of discrimination

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LGBTQ employees report discrimination 2.5 times more frequently than heterosexual employees

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45% of disabled individuals have experienced employment discrimination, which often leads to lower employment rates

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Nearly 70% of workplace discrimination complaints are not reported due to fear of retaliation

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Age discrimination is the second most common claim filed with EEOC, accounting for approximately 20% of charges

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Discrimination against immigrants in the workplace accounts for nearly 15% of all employment discrimination complaints

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Employment discrimination lawsuits cost U.S. companies over $64 million annually in damages and settlements

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Nearly 20% of women experience gender discrimination affecting promotion opportunities

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Only 35% of LGBTQ employees feel comfortable being open about their identity at work, implying high levels of discrimination

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41% of people with disabilities report experiencing discrimination in hiring or employment opportunities

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Hispanic or Latino workers are 1.5 times more likely to experience employment discrimination compared to white workers

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Nearly 50% of women of color report experiencing workplace discrimination related to both gender and race

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About 60% of older employees report feeling pressured to resign or retire early due to age discrimination

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The average length of employment discrimination lawsuits is approximately 2 years, from complaint filing to resolution

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According to recent surveys, 36% of LGBTQ workers have avoided applying for a job or promotion due to fears of discrimination

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Workplace discrimination based on religion increased by 25% over the past five years, according to EEOC data

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Employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation accounts for about 15% of all EEOC charges filed

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The prevalence of racial discrimination in hiring remains high, with Black applicants being 20% less likely to be called for interviews than white applicants with similar qualifications

Statistic 46

The unemployment rate for individuals facing discrimination is approximately 5% higher than the national average, according to studies

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33% of workplace discrimination cases involve two or more protected categories, such as race and gender, complicating resolution processes

Statistic 48

Higher levels of workplace discrimination correlate with increased mental health issues among minority groups, with approximately 35% reporting anxiety or depression symptoms

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Underrepresented groups in STEM fields face discrimination at rates nearly twice as high as the overall workforce, impacting diversity initiatives

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Discrimination in employment may lead to increased turnover rates, costing companies an average of 21% of a worker’s annual salary per departing employee

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Employees aged 50 and above are 40% more likely to face workplace discrimination compared to younger counterparts

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Legal protections against employment discrimination vary significantly across states, with only 29 states providing comprehensive anti-discrimination statutes beyond federal law

Statistic 53

Nearly 65% of people with disabilities believe society does not do enough to prevent employment discrimination, highlighting widespread awareness gaps

Statistic 54

Discrimination-based harassment is responsible for approximately 38% of disability accommodation requests, indicating a frequent cause of workplace issues

Statistic 55

There are over 1,000 federal employment discrimination cases filed annually in the U.S., with a steadily increasing trend over the past decade

Statistic 56

Nearly 70% of employees who experience discrimination report increased stress levels, adversely affecting productivity

Statistic 57

Discrimination against employees based on their criminal record affects approximately 20% of job applicants with criminal history, limiting employment opportunities

Statistic 58

Surveys indicate that about 40% of women experience discrimination related to pregnancy or motherhood, impacting hiring and promotion opportunities

Statistic 59

Approximately 20% of employment discrimination cases involve issues related to political beliefs, reflecting a growing but often overlooked area of bias

Statistic 60

Workplace discrimination not only affects individual health but also increases absenteeism; employees experiencing discrimination are 25% more likely to skip work

Statistic 61

Discrimination based on linguistic ability or accent affects approximately 15% of non-native speakers in employment settings, impacting hiring and workplace integration

Statistic 62

Reports of discrimination in the workplace are more prevalent in certain industries, such as healthcare, education, and finance, with disparities across sectors

Statistic 63

The presence of diversity training programs correlates with a 50% reduction in reported discrimination cases in organizations, indicating effectiveness of proactive measures

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Only 19% of workplaces have comprehensive policies explicitly addressing discrimination based on gender identity or expression, indicating room for improvement

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Workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities can reduce discrimination incidents by up to 30%, according to studies, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies

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Key Highlights

Nearly 30% of LGBT workers in the U.S. have experienced employment discrimination
Women are 25% more likely than men to experience workplace discrimination based on gender
African Americans face discrimination charges at twice the rate of white employees in the workplace
About 30% of employees report experiencing age discrimination in the workplace
Nearly 50% of disabled workers have reported experiencing some form of discrimination
LGBTQ employees report discrimination 2.5 times more frequently than heterosexual employees
About 60% of respondents in a survey experienced workplace discrimination based on race or ethnicity
Discrimination based on religion accounts for approximately 20% of all workplace complaints
Among gender minorities, nearly 40% have experienced workplace discrimination or harassment
Women of color face discrimination at a rate 1.2 times higher than white women
Nearly 35% of transgender employees report experiencing workplace discrimination
Workplace discrimination contributes to a 15-20% wage gap between marginalized groups and the majority group
Around 26% of employees have witnessed discrimination or harassment in their workplace

Despite ongoing efforts, employment discrimination remains a pervasive issue affecting nearly every marginalized group in the U.S., with statistics revealing alarming disparities—such as nearly 30% of LGBT workers experiencing bias, women being 25% more likely than men to face workplace discrimination, and African Americans confronting twice the charges as their white counterparts—highlighting a persistent barrier to equality, opportunity, and workplace inclusion.

Demographics and Diversity

Women of color face discrimination at a rate 1.2 times higher than white women
Women are 50% more likely than men to experience discrimination related to family responsibilities
The diversity gap in executive leadership remains significant, with only about 10% of C-suite positions held by minorities, which can be linked to workplace discrimination

Demographics and Diversity Interpretation

These sobering statistics reveal that women of color face a towering double barrier of racial and gender bias, family responsibilities amplify their hurdles, and the insidious persistence of workplace discrimination keeps minority representation in the C-suite painfully low—painting a stark portrait of inequality that demands urgent, targeted action.

Employee Experiences and Reported Incidents

About 60% of respondents in a survey experienced workplace discrimination based on race or ethnicity
Discrimination based on religion accounts for approximately 20% of all workplace complaints
Among gender minorities, nearly 40% have experienced workplace discrimination or harassment
Nearly 35% of transgender employees report experiencing workplace discrimination
Around 26% of employees have witnessed discrimination or harassment in their workplace
In a survey, 40% of LGBTQ respondents reported experiencing workplace discrimination
Only 1 in 4 people who experience discrimination at work file a complaint, indicating underreporting
Workplace harassment, including discrimination, accounts for over 25% of complaints received by the EEOC annually
Discrimination based on disability remains underreported, with only 1 in 10 cases resulting in a formal complaint
55% of LGBT employees experience microaggressions at work, contributing to mental health issues
Discrimination based on hairstyles and cultural dress, particularly affecting Black employees, has been reported by over 40% of respondents in recent surveys
Nearly 80% of individuals who experience discrimination do not report it to HR or management, leading to under-enforcement
Worker surveys show that minorities are 30% more likely to face discrimination when seeking promotions or raises, affecting career advancement
Black women experience workplace discrimination at higher rates than women of other races, with nearly 55% reporting negative experiences
The likelihood of experiencing discrimination increases in predominantly homogeneous workplaces, with 35% of minority employees reporting feeling isolated or targeted
Nearly 85% of discrimination incidents go unreported, causing underestimation of the true scale of employment bias
55% of transgender workers have reported experiencing some form of employment discrimination or harassment, often leading to job loss

Employee Experiences and Reported Incidents Interpretation

Despite widespread reports of workplace discrimination—affecting over half of employees and often remaining hidden due to underreporting—the persistent prevalence of bias based on race, gender, and identity underscores an urgent need for comprehensive cultural change and stronger protections to ensure equitable employment for all.

Wage Inequality and Penalties

Workplace discrimination contributes to a 15-20% wage gap between marginalized groups and the majority group
Workplace discrimination contributes to income inequality, with marginalized groups earning on average 20-30% less than their counterparts
The wage penalty for employees who face racial or ethnic discrimination can be as high as 10-15%, translating into thousands of dollars annually

Wage Inequality and Penalties Interpretation

These stark statistics underscore that workplace discrimination isn't just unfair—it's a powerful economic barrier, siphoning thousands from marginalized individuals' pockets and fueling the persistent wage gap and income inequality.

Workplace Discrimination and Bias

Nearly 30% of LGBT workers in the U.S. have experienced employment discrimination
Women are 25% more likely than men to experience workplace discrimination based on gender
African Americans face discrimination charges at twice the rate of white employees in the workplace
About 30% of employees report experiencing age discrimination in the workplace
Nearly 50% of disabled workers have reported experiencing some form of discrimination
LGBTQ employees report discrimination 2.5 times more frequently than heterosexual employees
45% of disabled individuals have experienced employment discrimination, which often leads to lower employment rates
Nearly 70% of workplace discrimination complaints are not reported due to fear of retaliation
Age discrimination is the second most common claim filed with EEOC, accounting for approximately 20% of charges
Discrimination against immigrants in the workplace accounts for nearly 15% of all employment discrimination complaints
Employment discrimination lawsuits cost U.S. companies over $64 million annually in damages and settlements
Nearly 20% of women experience gender discrimination affecting promotion opportunities
Only 35% of LGBTQ employees feel comfortable being open about their identity at work, implying high levels of discrimination
41% of people with disabilities report experiencing discrimination in hiring or employment opportunities
Hispanic or Latino workers are 1.5 times more likely to experience employment discrimination compared to white workers
Nearly 50% of women of color report experiencing workplace discrimination related to both gender and race
About 60% of older employees report feeling pressured to resign or retire early due to age discrimination
The average length of employment discrimination lawsuits is approximately 2 years, from complaint filing to resolution
According to recent surveys, 36% of LGBTQ workers have avoided applying for a job or promotion due to fears of discrimination
Workplace discrimination based on religion increased by 25% over the past five years, according to EEOC data
Employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation accounts for about 15% of all EEOC charges filed
The prevalence of racial discrimination in hiring remains high, with Black applicants being 20% less likely to be called for interviews than white applicants with similar qualifications
The unemployment rate for individuals facing discrimination is approximately 5% higher than the national average, according to studies
33% of workplace discrimination cases involve two or more protected categories, such as race and gender, complicating resolution processes
Higher levels of workplace discrimination correlate with increased mental health issues among minority groups, with approximately 35% reporting anxiety or depression symptoms
Underrepresented groups in STEM fields face discrimination at rates nearly twice as high as the overall workforce, impacting diversity initiatives
Discrimination in employment may lead to increased turnover rates, costing companies an average of 21% of a worker’s annual salary per departing employee
Employees aged 50 and above are 40% more likely to face workplace discrimination compared to younger counterparts
Legal protections against employment discrimination vary significantly across states, with only 29 states providing comprehensive anti-discrimination statutes beyond federal law
Nearly 65% of people with disabilities believe society does not do enough to prevent employment discrimination, highlighting widespread awareness gaps
Discrimination-based harassment is responsible for approximately 38% of disability accommodation requests, indicating a frequent cause of workplace issues
There are over 1,000 federal employment discrimination cases filed annually in the U.S., with a steadily increasing trend over the past decade
Nearly 70% of employees who experience discrimination report increased stress levels, adversely affecting productivity
Discrimination against employees based on their criminal record affects approximately 20% of job applicants with criminal history, limiting employment opportunities
Surveys indicate that about 40% of women experience discrimination related to pregnancy or motherhood, impacting hiring and promotion opportunities
Approximately 20% of employment discrimination cases involve issues related to political beliefs, reflecting a growing but often overlooked area of bias
Workplace discrimination not only affects individual health but also increases absenteeism; employees experiencing discrimination are 25% more likely to skip work
Discrimination based on linguistic ability or accent affects approximately 15% of non-native speakers in employment settings, impacting hiring and workplace integration
Reports of discrimination in the workplace are more prevalent in certain industries, such as healthcare, education, and finance, with disparities across sectors
The presence of diversity training programs correlates with a 50% reduction in reported discrimination cases in organizations, indicating effectiveness of proactive measures

Workplace Discrimination and Bias Interpretation

Despite ongoing efforts and legal protections, employment discrimination remains a pervasive issue impacting nearly every corner of the workforce—from LGBTQ workers facing 2.5 times more bias than heterosexuals to older employees feeling pushed out prematurely—highlighting that while laws have kept pace with societal changes, the workplace still lag behind in fully embracing diversity and inclusion, costing both individuals and organizations billions in damages, mental health, and lost productivity.

Workplace Policies and Accommodations

Only 19% of workplaces have comprehensive policies explicitly addressing discrimination based on gender identity or expression, indicating room for improvement
Workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities can reduce discrimination incidents by up to 30%, according to studies, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies

Workplace Policies and Accommodations Interpretation

With only 19% of workplaces having comprehensive gender identity policies, and a potential 30% reduction in discrimination through better accommodations, it's clear that inclusive policies are not just ethical—they're essential for a fair and effective work environment.