How is "employment discrimination" characterized?

Employment discrimination is characterized as the unfair treatment of employees based on specific characteristics such as race, gender, age, or disability. This means that individuals may experience adverse actions in the workplace, such as being denied job opportunities, promotions, or fair compensation due to these protected characteristics, rather than their professional qualifications or work performance.

This definition highlights the focus on equal rights in the workplace and the legal protections available against such discriminatory practices. Employment discrimination laws are designed to promote fairness and equality, ensuring that all employees have the right to work in an environment where they are not subjected to prejudices based on inherent traits or personal identities.

The other choices do not capture the essence of employment discrimination; for example, equal benefits for all employees regardless of performance does not address the issues of bias or unfair treatment based on personal characteristics. The process of hiring staff without bias emphasizes a desirable practice but does not specifically define discrimination itself. Compensation claims made by former employees do not inherently relate to the issue of discrimination unless they arise from unfair treatment based on protected traits. Thus, the correct answer accurately identifies the core aspect of employment discrimination.