Inclusion Case Studies

The person whose name is first alphabetically will be the leader of this activity.

Your leader will guide you through each part of the activity, following the instructions below.

Read through and discuss each of the following Case Studies.
Decide whether there has been discrimination and, if so, what kind of discrimination.

Your answers will be either:
A. No discrimination
B. Direct Discrimination
C. Direct Discrimination by Perception
D. Direct Discrimination by Association
E. Indirect Discrimination
F. Harassment
G. Victimisation 

Note: Some Case Studies may illustrate more than one type of discrimination.

Case Study One:
R has recently joined the team and is warmly welcomed by colleagues and made to feel at home. At the end of R's first week, the team go for their weekly drinks at a local bar. 

R is invited but explains that they can't stay late as their husband has been ill and it wouldn't be fair to be out having fun when they may be needed at home. One colleague remarks that R doesn’t “look gay” and some others agree. 

The following Monday, R notices a change in attitude from two colleagues, who seem much less helpful and welcoming, but dismisses this.  When Friday drinks come along, R is not included.  


Case Study Two:
D interviews well for an internal promotion. They score highest of all candidates but miss out on the promotion because it is assumed that the responsibilities and commitments required of the new role will be overwhelming to D who is known to have an elderly parent at home who is in the advanced stages of dementia. 


Case Study Three:
Due to growing demand, it has been agreed that the Call Centre will open over the weekend. All staff will be required to work at least one weekend in every four.

L explains to their Team Leader that they aren't able to work on the Sabbath Day but are told that this will mean a reduction in weekly hours available to them.


Case Study Four:
M had to leave work early to collect their child from school, they explained to a colleague that the child had been bullied by some classmates because of TICS caused by Tourette’s Syndrome. 

On their return to work the next day, some colleagues played what they considered to be a funny game of randomly calling out words, and mimicking tics.

M made it clear that they didn’t appreciate this behaviour but the colleagues continued with their “game” over the coming days. M feels intimidated and dreads going to work.


Case Study Five:
P has supported T in a complaint against their manager D. 

T believes that D has discriminated against them because of their "imperfect" English.

D was made aware of the complaint and now noticeably treats P differently; leaving P out of important emails, being critical when P seems unaware of changes that "everyone" was notified about and regularly interrupting and undermining P during meetings. 


Case Study Six:
Happy Helpers is an inclusive company which proudly recruits a diverse workforce. They have recently secured a contract for a large Educational Trust to provide catering and cleaning staff at a range of locations.

One of their most valued employees is G who has worked with them for nearly two years. G is always on time for work, loves learning new skills and is always very conscientious. What everyone loves most about working with G is that they "know how to have fun but get the work done".

Some colleagues have recently observed a couple of the Site Maintenance Team appear to mock G, on a few occasions; they mimic G's voice and mannerisms and laugh loudly as they walk away.  The same people have also started making comments to G's Supervisor and colleagues, saying that they feel sorry that they "have to work with such @*%! people."


Extra Case Study, for teams who are super-fast at this task!
For over 20 years, C has worked in HR and has rarely taken any sick leave. Despite increasing issues with mobility and days where the pain of a worn knee cartilage can be unbearable, C attends work with an infectiously positive attitude and a smile for everyone.

Occupational Health recommended that some of C's duties should be adapted and that a suitable desk and chair should be provided to alleviate any unnecessary discomfort.

When a new office manager was employed, they were informed of specific needs within the team but insisted that "everyone should pull their weight.” C was told that they would be required to hand deliver daily morning bulletins to teams across each of the three sites. 

Not one to cause trouble, C did as asked but within days began to really suffer even more severe pain in the left knee. Tearfully, C confided in a colleague who advised that the issue be raised with the new manager.
The manager's response was that if C "wasn't up to the job then perhaps they should consider their position"    

C and their supportive colleague decided to ask their Union for advice and a meeting was arranged with C, the Union and the Office Manager.

Since this meeting both C and the supportive colleague have been ostracised and ignored at work, with other team members siding with the manager.



Discuss:
What is the purpose of this exercise? 
How might it relate to your role? 

ADDITIONAL CASE STUDIES TO DISCUSS

The person whose name is last alphabetically will be the leader of this activity.

Your leader will decide facilitate the discussion


Additional Discussion Topics

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