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Discrimination / Harassment

Lack of ‘Potty parity’ can spark discrimination claim

07/01/2008

It may sound trivial, but employers in male-dominated industries should take note: Make sure your female employees have access to equal restroom facilities that meet women’s needs. Don’t expect women to adopt male restroom habits. 

Deflecting cupid’s arrow: Should you even try to prevent interoffice dating?

07/01/2008
Office romances may start off hot, but they can quickly cool down into disputes, hard feelings and even lawsuits. Don’t put a complete ban on romantic relationships between any co-workers. It’s unrealistic and impossible to police. Instead, prohibit dating between employees who report directly to one another …

Is Howard Stern harassing your female employees?

07/01/2008
The growth of XM and Sirius satellite radio service has brought uncensored radio programming into cubicles, warehouses and breakrooms. And as a new court ruling proves, employees who overhear such sexual banter—even if it’s not directed at them—can sue for harassment …

The HR I.Q. Test: July ’08

07/01/2008
Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …

Does your organization need insurance against employee lawsuits?

07/01/2008

No matter how careful employers are, they still can be sued. Recognizing the risk, more employers are choosing to protect themselves with employment practices liability insurance (EPLI), which covers your organization if it’s hit with an employment lawsuit. But it’s important to know which coverage is right for you …

Flex schedules: Do we have to offer to everyone?

07/01/2008

Q. Two of our employees are struggling with serious family issues that make it hard for them to get to work on time. We’ve let them adjust their schedules. Now we have others who want to adjust their schedules … Do we have to give schedule flexibility to all employees?

Ensure employees know how to complain about retaliation

07/01/2008
You know that employees who complain about harassment or discrimination shouldn’t suffer retaliation. But do you have a mechanism in place that prevents such retaliation? If not, it’s time to come up with one. Nipping retaliation in the bud is far cheaper than defending it in court …

Can we replace a worker who is out on pregnancy disability leave?

07/01/2008

Q. One of our employees is on pregnancy disability leave. We are a small company and it will be difficult for us to keep her position open. May we hire another worker to replace her based on this hardship? …

Make sure bosses tell employees how to report harassment

07/01/2008
Have your supervisors and managers kept up with the changes by regularly reminding all employees—new and old—how they can report alleged sexual harassment? If not, you need to set up a training schedule. It’s the best way to ensure no employee will come out of left field with a sexual harassment complaint, take it to court—and win …

Be nice to that ex-Employee who sued! He might come back

07/01/2008
When an employee who was fired or didn’t get a promotion sues, it’s easy to get angry—especially if you don’t believe you or your organization’s supervisors did anything wrong. But that’s a mistake. The better approach is to remain cordial and civil. Here’s why …