42 Workplace Discrimination Statistics for 2025

General Workplace Discrimination Statistics

Discrimination continues to affect workers globally, despite efforts to promote equality.

1. 61% of employees report witnessing or experiencing workplace discrimination. Biases based on race, gender, and other factors persist. (Pew Research Center)
2. 40% of employees feel they have been passed over for promotions due to discrimination. Career advancement remains a key area of inequality. (SHRM)
3. Companies with high levels of discrimination see 20% higher employee turnover rates. Discrimination directly impacts retention and morale. (Harvard Business Review)
4. Discrimination lawsuits cost US employers $470 million annually. Failing to address workplace bias has significant financial implications. (EEOC)
5. 72% of employees say workplace diversity improves innovation. Discrimination stifles creativity and collaboration. (Forbes)

Gender Discrimination in the Workplace

Gender inequality remains a major concern, especially in leadership and pay equity.

1. 42% of women report experiencing gender discrimination at work. Women often face biases in hiring, promotions, and pay. (Pew Research)
2. Women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. The gender pay gap persists across industries. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
3. Only 25% of leadership roles are held by women. Despite efforts to promote gender equality, barriers remain. (McKinsey)
4. Women with children are 37% less likely to be promoted. The motherhood penalty significantly impacts career progression. (Harvard Business Review)
5. Gender-diverse teams outperform by 21%. Companies with inclusive practices see measurable benefits. (Deloitte)

Racial and Ethnic Discrimination

Racial discrimination continues to affect hiring, promotions, and workplace culture.

1. 48% of Black employees report experiencing racial discrimination at work. Bias impacts job satisfaction and opportunities. (Gallup)
2. Hispanic employees are 33% less likely to be hired for managerial roles. Racial biases affect representation in leadership. (Pew Research)
3. Companies with racial diversity in leadership are 35% more likely to outperform competitors. Diverse perspectives enhance business outcomes. (McKinsey)
4. Minority employees are 2x more likely to face workplace harassment. Addressing hostile work environments is critical for inclusion. (EEOC)
5. Cultural competency training reduces incidents of racial bias by 25%. Education and awareness programs improve workplace equity. (Harvard Business Review)

Age Discrimination

Ageism affects both younger and older workers, creating challenges in hiring and career advancement.

1. 36% of workers aged 50+ report age discrimination. Older employees face biases related to their capabilities and adaptability. (AARP)
2. Younger workers face 25% fewer promotions due to age bias. Lack of experience is often cited as a reason for limited growth. (SHRM)
3. Companies with age-diverse teams see 18% higher productivity. Including employees of all ages enhances collaboration. (Forbes)
4. Age discrimination complaints increased by 15% in 2025. This reflects growing awareness and reporting of ageism. (EEOC)
5. Intergenerational mentoring improves inclusion by 30%. Creating opportunities for knowledge sharing bridges generational gaps. (Deloitte)

LGBTQ+ Discrimination

Despite progress, LGBTQ+ employees still face challenges in achieving workplace equality.

1. 45% of LGBTQ+ employees experience discrimination or harassment at work. Biases continue to affect workplace culture and safety. (Human Rights Campaign)
2. 50% of LGBTQ+ employees are not out at work. Fear of discrimination prevents many from being their authentic selves. (Pew Research)
3. Companies with LGBTQ+ inclusive policies see 30% higher employee satisfaction. Inclusion fosters loyalty and engagement. (Forbes)
4. Transgender employees face a 35% higher unemployment rate. Barriers to hiring and advancement disproportionately affect transgender individuals. (National Center for Transgender Equality)
5. Diversity training programs reduce LGBTQ+ discrimination by 20%. Structured efforts improve awareness and acceptance. (SHRM)

Disability Discrimination

Employees with disabilities face significant barriers to inclusion and equal opportunities.

1. 59% of employees with disabilities report workplace discrimination. Lack of accommodations and biases create barriers. (EEOC)
2. Unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 2x higher than the general population. Access to opportunities remains limited. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
3. Companies with disability inclusion programs see 28% higher retention rates. Providing accommodations improves loyalty and performance. (Forbes)
4. Workplace accommodations improve productivity by 20%. Simple adjustments create significant benefits for employees and businesses. (SHRM)
5. Bias training reduces disability-related discrimination by 30%. Educating teams fosters more inclusive practices. (Harvard Business Review)

Impact of Discrimination on Mental Health

Workplace discrimination has significant mental health implications for affected employees.

1. Employees experiencing discrimination are 2x more likely to report depression. The stress of bias affects mental well-being. (APA)
2. 35% of workers report burnout linked to workplace discrimination. Hostile environments increase stress and reduce engagement. (Gallup)
3. Inclusion initiatives improve mental health outcomes by 25%. Creating safe spaces benefits employee well-being. (Deloitte)
4. Discrimination leads to 50% higher absenteeism rates. Mental health impacts reduce productivity and attendance. (SHRM)
5. Support groups and mental health resources reduce discrimination effects by 40%. Providing access to resources helps employees cope. (Forbes)

Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion

Diverse and inclusive workplaces perform better and foster employee satisfaction.

1. Companies with inclusive cultures are 1.7x more innovative. Diversity drives creativity and problem-solving. (Deloitte)
2. Inclusive workplaces see 19% higher revenue. Diverse teams bring broader perspectives and better solutions. (McKinsey)
3. Employee satisfaction increases by 33% in inclusive environments. Workers thrive when they feel valued and respected. (Forbes)
4. Diverse companies are 50% more likely to capture new markets. Representation fosters better understanding of customer needs. (Harvard Business Review)
5. Mentorship programs improve diversity representation by 40%. Supporting underrepresented groups creates leadership opportunities. (SHRM)

Future of Workplace Discrimination

Efforts to reduce workplace discrimination are evolving, with organizations prioritizing diversity and equity.

1. DEI budgets are projected to grow by 25% by 2030. Companies are investing more in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. (Gartner)
2. AI tools reduce bias in recruitment by 30%. Technology is helping make hiring processes more equitable. (LinkedIn)
3. Workplace diversity training participation increased by 40%. Employees are becoming more engaged in learning about inclusion. (SHRM)
4. Organizations with DEI leadership roles see 2x faster progress on inclusion goals. Dedicated leadership ensures accountability and success. (Deloitte)
5. Global workplace discrimination laws are expanding. Governments are implementing stricter policies to protect employees. (UN)