Workplace Discrimination in Europe - What Are Employees Experiencing?

Discrimination in the workplace remains one of the most persistent barriers to true inclusivity and fairness across Europe. It doesn't always appear in obvious ways: sometimes it's overt exclusion, but more often it's the subtle, everyday slights that chip away at employees' sense of belonging. To better understand the scope of the problem, SD Worx collaborated with Laura De Boom, FWO PhD Fellow at the University of Antwerp, who analysed findings from our latest HR & Payroll Pulse research across 16 European countries. The results provide a clear - and at times sobering - view of what employees are seeing and experiencing today.

Reported rates highlight how employees experience discrimination. Variations between countries may not directly reflect prevalence, but rather cultural norms, institutional practices, and differing levels of comfort in reporting inappropriate behaviour.

This distinction matters. It suggests that alongside addressing real discriminatory behaviour, organisations also need to foster environments where employees feel safe speaking up - without fear of consequences.

Discrimination, whether subtle or overt, damages more than individual wellbeing: it erodes trust, undermines productivity, and harms organisational reputation. The findings from Laura De Boom's analysis highlight three urgent imperatives for European employers:

1. Look beyond the obvious - Age and gender remain central issues, but exclusion often arises from less recognised traits such as background, accent, or communication style. Employers need to broaden their understanding of what discrimination looks like.
2. Listen to your employees - What people witness can be as damaging as what they personally experience. Creating safe, open channels for reporting and dialogue is critical.
3. Turn awareness into action - Policies are essential, but they only go so far. Culture is shaped by leadership behaviour, peer accountability, and everyday interactions.

Discrimination in the workplace is not only widespread across Europe but also highly nuanced. While statistics draw attention to age and gender, the prominence of "other reasons" reminds us that inclusion requires more than ticking familiar boxes. It means seeing and valuing people in their full diversity.

At SD Worx, we believe that real progress comes from combining research insights with practical action. By understanding what employees experience and witness, organisations can take the steps needed to build workplaces where fairness, respect, and belonging are not just ideals, but everyday realities.