What Is the “Glass Ceiling” and How Do You Know If You’re Under It?

The glass ceiling is a workplace discrimination term representing an imaginary barrier used to hold down women and minorities under it, limiting their advancement to the top of the ladder. It encompasses entrenched attitudes about what type of people should have the “top” jobs at the company, ambiguous qualifications for promotions that may have conscious or subconscious biases wrapped up in them, and a lack of networking/mentoring opportunities for women, people of color, and LGBT. Many people are trapped under this ceiling and may not even know it. Pay is still not equal amongst races and genders in this country. Keep reading below for tips on how to start blowing the whistle if you think a glass ceiling exists at your company.

Document Your Case

Follow your company’s policy for submitting complaints, and write a detailed report to file with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC’s website will have instructions on how to file the complaint. The more evidence and information you have on how the “top” jobs in a company are only going to certain kinds of people, the better.

State and local laws are different in dealing with workplace discrimination cases. The best way to know whether or not you have a strong case for discrimination at work in a case like this is contacting a Dallas employment attorney. Dan A. Atkerson uses legal experience to fight for employee rights.