November 12th, 2015
Discrimination Lawsuits: Taking Preventative Measures
According to the EEOC, a total of 88,778 workplace discrimination charges were filed in 2014. Discrimination lawsuits are often expensive, extremely disruptive to workflow, and damaging to employee morale. In order to achieve a discrimination free workplace, companies should always make an effort to foster a workplace culture that encourages diversity, safety, and acceptance. In addition to this, there are a few preventative measures you can take that can help avoid discrimination in the workplace, keeping your employees happy and protected.
As a preventative measure, outlining specific antidiscrimination policies in a company handbook not only informs employees of expected behaviors, but can also serve in the company's favor in the event of a lawsuit. Your company handbook should stress that there is a zero tolerance policy when it comes to sex discrimination, race discrimination, age discrimination, and sexual orientation discrimination and should also outline the disciplinary consequences that will follow any claim. It should also be made clear that retaliation is also a form of discrimination, and that following the outlined procedures is the only way the situation should be handled. Lastly, if the claimant is unhappy with the results of their claim, an appeals process should be allowed and attended to.
While having specific company policies on discrimination outlined in a handbook is a good idea from a legal point of view, it is very probable that not all employees will take the time to read through the policies. Therefore, it is wise to put all employees, including supervisors, through training that will inform them of what is considered acceptable behavior and language for the workplace. Managers, especially, should go through extensive training that will prepare them to recognize and prevent situations that may eventually lead to discrimination lawsuits. Hands on training should be provided to those who have been tasked in handling complaints so that they take the proper steps in dealing with the situation. In addition to this, employees should be provided with multiple ways to file a complaint so that interaction will not have to occur between the claimant and offender.
If you are in need of representation in a discrimination lawsuit, please contact Asonye & Associates at 312-795-9110, and find more information about our services here.