Do you feel like your boss is always playing favorites? Does it put you at a disadvantage because something prevents you from being a part of this private “club?”
In some cases, this can lead to serious issues with discrimination. It depends on what your boss does and how he or she picks favorites.
For instance, perhaps you’re a female worker in her 40s, with two decades of experience. Your boss is a man who is 10 years older than you. When a new position opens up, you apply for the promotion. You don’t get it. Instead, your boss gives it to a 25-year-old man who just started with the company a year ago.
This could mean that your boss is discriminating against you because of your age or your race. Did he just pick the other employee because he only wants to hire men and doesn’t trust you to do the job? Did he pick that employee because he’s younger and he doesn’t think someone in their 40s can succeed?
Ask yourself why he is playing favorites. What is it that holds you back? If it is rooted in a protected class — age, race, gender, etc — then your rights may have been violated. Employers have to give people equal opportunities. They can’t just pick their favorites based on biases and stereotypes.
If this does happen to you, you may be able to take legal action. You do have rights. These cases are often complex, though, so make sure you take the time to carefully look into every legal step you need to take.
