Discrimination / Harassment

Inheriting workers? Review pay for past bias

10/29/2020

If you are adding employees from another company via a merger or acquisition, pay attention to an important pay discrimination problem. Before using your new employees’ previous compensation to set their pay, consider whether that could trigger an Equal Pay Act lawsuit.

Unconscious bias: What is it & how do you manage it?

10/22/2020

While the concept of unconscious bias isn’t new, its impact on workplace culture is in the spotlight as HR leaders focus on initiatives to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion. Unconscious bias training is one of the proactive ways HR can raise awareness of the issue and minimize its influence on behaviors, policies and processes.

Avoid the high cost of not posting promotions

10/22/2020

Failing to post job announcements where employees will see them may trigger an expensive lawsuit. That’s a very real problem now. With more employees working remotely, there are fewer chances to spot a promotion opportunity on the breakroom bulletin board or learn about an opening during a casual chat with a co-worker.

Minority employees under-represented at every organizational level

10/20/2020

According to the Mercer consulting firm’s new Let’s Get Real About Equality 2020 report, 66% of organizations say senior executives are actively engaged in efforts to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. There is plenty of room for improvement.

Does ‘religious freedom’ give OK for job bias?

10/15/2020

In recent years, many corporations have made an effort to show their inclusive nature to certain groups, including the LGBT community. But what should your company do if an employee cites “religious freedom” as a reason to reject those company efforts?

Discover harassment by boss? Act ASAP

10/15/2020

There is almost no way for an employer to defend against an employee’s claim that she was the victim of quid pro quo sexual harassment by a supervisor. The threat of discipline or termination unless a subordinate agrees to have sex with the boss is usually a slam-dunk win for an employee who sues.

New rules proposed for EEOC conciliation process

10/13/2020

For the first time since 1977, the EEOC is proposing changes to the procedures it uses to mediate discrimination and harassment claims before they go to court. If finalized, the new procedures should reduce the number of EEOC complaints that turn into lawsuits, legal experts say.

Google it: harassment shareholder settlement

10/08/2020

Employers can’t get away with sweeping sexual harassment complaints under the rug in the #MeToo era.

Always consider religious accommodations

10/01/2020

Employees may ask for reasonable accommodations when work interferes with their religious beliefs or practices. Employers often must go far beyond allowing occasional absences to attend services or bending dress and grooming rules to allow head scarves or beards.

Suspect bullying? Intervene fast

09/23/2020

Take all claims seriously. Bullying can lead to physical violence, long-term psychological damage—and the harassment lawsuits that accompany them. Here are several tactics to use when following up on your suspicions.