It starts with something subtle. Maybe your manager’s tone shifts during meetings. You’re left out of important emails. Tasks you once handled are quietly passed to someone else. At first, you try to shrug it off — maybe you’re overthinking it. But as time goes on, that uneasy feeling grows. Something at work just isn’t right.
Unfair treatment in the workplace isn’t always dramatic or obvious. In fact, it often builds slowly — and by the time you realise it, you might already be feeling anxious, frustrated, or completely burnt out. That’s why it’s important to know the signs early and understand your options. In some cases, talking to professional employment lawyers can help clarify whether your situation crosses the line from uncomfortable to unlawful.
Here’s what to look out for — and what you can do if you think you’re being treated unfairly at work.
First, Let’s Define “Unfair Treatment”
Not every bad day or difficult boss qualifies as unfair treatment in a legal sense. But when workplace behaviour becomes consistent, targeted, or damaging to your wellbeing or career, it’s time to take it seriously.
Unfair treatment can include:
- Being consistently passed over for opportunities despite good performance
- Unreasonable workload increases without support or explanation
- Micromanagement that others aren’t subjected to
- Unequal application of rules or policies
- Humiliation, sarcasm, or dismissiveness from supervisors or peers
- Isolation from team activities or communications
- Denied training, time off, or resources others are given
It becomes especially serious when discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is involved.
When Unfair Treatment Becomes a Legal Matter
In Australia, the Fair Work Act protects employees from unfair dismissal, adverse action, and discrimination. If you’ve experienced something like the following, it could be more than just “bad management”:
- Fired or demoted for raising concerns or making a complaint
- Treated differently due to your age, gender, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation
- Harassed or bullied by someone in the workplace — and the behaviour is repeated or ongoing
- Denied parental leave or flexible working arrangements without valid reasons
- Excluded or targeted after filing a WorkCover claim or taking personal leave
Not all unfair treatment is illegal, but many situations have grey areas — and it’s worth having them assessed by someone who knows how the law applies to your case.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Unfair Treatment
1. Start Documenting Everything
Keep a private record of incidents, including dates, people involved, what was said or done, and how it made you feel. If relevant, save emails or messages that support your case. This log can be vital if you later raise a formal complaint or need legal support.
2. Have a Direct Conversation
If it feels safe to do so, consider speaking to the person involved. Sometimes, unfair treatment stems from miscommunication or unconscious bias.
A respectful conversation might help clarify things — or confirm that the behaviour is intentional.
3. Talk to HR or a Manager You Trust
If direct communication doesn’t help, raise the issue with HR or someone else in leadership. Keep your tone professional, focus on facts, and refer to your documentation.
Tip: It’s a good idea to follow up in writing after the conversation — even if it’s just an email to summarise what was discussed.
4. Know When to Seek Help
If internal conversations go nowhere — or if you feel unsafe or at risk — it may be time to consult an external party. That could mean:
- Speaking to the Fair Work Ombudsman
- Filing a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission
- Getting guidance from a union (if you’re a member)
- Talking confidentially to an employment lawyer
Even one consultation can help you understand your rights, weigh your options, and avoid mistakes like resigning too quickly or accepting a poor settlement.
What Legal Support Can Actually Do for You
Employment law isn’t just for people who are suing their bosses. It can be a helpful safety net at any point in your journey. A good lawyer can:
- Help you understand if your situation breaches employment law
- Assist you with writing formal complaints or responses
- Represent you during internal investigations or mediation
- Help you negotiate an exit or severance agreement
- Prepare a strong case if you’re making a claim for unfair dismissal or discrimination
You don’t need to go it alone — and you don’t have to wait until things are “really bad” to reach out.
You Deserve a Fair Workplace
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued at work. If something feels off, you don’t have to ignore it. The earlier you recognise the signs of unfair treatment, the sooner you can take steps to protect yourself — whether that means having a tough conversation, seeking support, or knowing when it’s time to move on.
Remember: standing up for yourself doesn’t mean making a scene — it means setting boundaries and making informed decisions. And if you need backup, support is out there.