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Employee Complaints of Favouritism in the Workplace

HR Policies

11 June 2025 (Last updated 19 Dec 2025)

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There is no doubt that favouritism in the workplace stems from bad management because it opens the door for employee complaints about unfair treatment and discrimination.

All employees are entitled to, and expect to be, treated equally. If there are policies, guidelines, opportunities for development or promotion, frequent communication, and any other work related decisions, employees are well within their rights to assume a fair process will be followed.

Understanding favouritism

Favouritism is not necessarily illegal in the workplace. It depends on why employees are being favoured or disfavoured. If favouritism is rooted in discrimination, harassment, or retaliation it crosses the line from poor management to illegal behaviour.

Most complaints about favouritism in the workplace could lead to discrimination claims. Discrimination in the workplace happens when employers make decisions based on employees’ personal characteristics – traits that would be the basis of unlawful discrimination. Under the Human Rights Act 1993 and the Employment Relations Act 2000 for example, discrimination could be when an employer decides not to hire someone because of race, refusing to promote a woman, demoting employees with disabilities, or terminating employees because of their personal characteristics.

Similarly, if a manager’s decisions are intended to punish employees who have complained of illegal behaviour (such as underpayments or unsafe working conditions), such punishment would also be considered adverse action.

On the other hand, favouritism that is based on other factors may not be discriminatory, even if it is a sign of bad management. For example, if a manager favours an employee who is their friend outside of work, or who is part of a sporting team outside of work, that is not discrimination. Favouritism is exactly what it sounds like: preferential treatment given not because an employee is doing a great job, but for reasons outside of the job performance. Nevertheless, favouritism in the workplace can lead to serious implications such as lower morale, resentment or more complaints of discrimination.

To avoid complaints, it is essential to ensure you treat all employees fairly. Being aware of favouritism or discrimination and developing a strategy to fairly reward and recognise employees can ensure your workplace is fair and productive.

Create strong policies with Peninsula

As an employer, you have the authority to help define procedures and policies in your workplace and Peninsula can help. Our team of specialists can help you limit favouritism or discrimination in the workplace by providing appropriate workplace policy and procedure, advice and documents. Call us today on 0800 459 907.

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Physical Appearance in the Workplace

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HR Policies

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HR Policies

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HR Policies

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HR Policies

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