Lawyers for Women in Tech Near Palo Alto

With the ever-changing environment that is the tech industry, more and more jobs are becoming available to keep up with the pace of growth, and more women are entering the male-dominated field. Diversity in the tech industry allows companies to create products that take society as a whole into consideration. Studies have shown that a focus on inclusion creates a better work environment where employees are engaged and perform better. Still, reports remind us that women remain underrepresented in tech roles and within tech companies. 

In a recent year, a report found that 50 percent of women in STEM careers said they experienced gender or sex discrimination at work, while only 19 percent of men reported the same. Additionally, 20 percent of women have said that their gender or sex makes it harder to be successful at work. 

Discrimination based on gender is illegal at both the federal and state levels. If you feel you have been discriminated against in the workplace, the lawyers for women in tech near Palo Alto can help you. 

Gender Discrimination in California

Both the California Fair Pay Act and Equal Pay Act and the Fair Employment and Housing Act make discrimination in employment illegal, along with several federal laws.

Under the FEHA, an employer cannot discriminate based on sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Unlawful and discriminatory employment practices include: 

• Refusing to hire based on sex or gender 
• Providing different compensation for similar work based on sex or gender 
• Creating different conditions of employment for people of a certain sex or gender 
• Refusing to select someone of a certain sex or gender for training programs or promotions 
• Firing employees due to sex or gender 

California’s Fair Pay Act and Equal Pay Act were enacted with the intent to decrease the wage gap between men and women, especially those who perform similar jobs. Absent one of the following, an employer cannot pay men and women different salaries for substantially similar work performed: 

• Earnings are based on the quality or quantity of production 
• A merit or seniority system
• Some other legitimate reason, such as education or experience

Have You Been the Victim of Gender Discrimination in the Workplace?

 If you believe you have been the victim of gender discrimination at work, you should first file a complaint with your employer or your company’s HR department. It is likely that neither will elect to thoroughly investigate your complaint. If this is the case, you must file a complaint with California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing and/or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and obtain a “right to sue” letter before filing a claim in court. However, it is highly recommended that you consult with an employment attorney once you are subjected to discrimination. 

Contact Our Lawyers for Women in Tech Near Palo Alto

 It may be 2020, but it’s been proven that it is still difficult to be a woman in the tech industry. If you have been the victim of gender discrimination in the tech industry, contact your Palo Alto employment lawyers at Minnis & Smallets LLP to review your case. Visit our website to schedule an appointment to provide information regarding your potential case.