An enormous amount of effort goes into operating almost any business. Once your clear the hurdles of implementing a business plan that will knock everybody’s socks off comes the challenge of not only finding enough startup capital to put you into business, but to keep you there too. Your team will play a large role in that last part, with the capability of taking you up or bringing you down in terms of success. The key is to choose a well-rounded team that is either experienced in your business, or capable of learning the ropes and keeping clients happy.
No One Should Have to Tolerate Discriminatory Behavior
Whether your company is large enough to have its own human resources department or not, one of the biggest keys to your success, ultimately, is whether you have a happy crew. Good benefits and pay, training, and a pleasant place to work are important elements of any job, but employees in any workplace also have the right to expect fair treatment, without discrimination or harassment. If someone who works for you has a complaint or has come to you or a supervisor upset over treatment by someone else they work with, hearing them out and dealing with the issue as quickly as possible should be an urgent priority. This may become a source of stress if you feel unequipped to handle such an issue properly and are in over your head. Consult a legal expert like Attorney Shane Coons as soon as possible to make sure you understand your responsibilities as an employer dealing with such a complaint.
Any Complaints Should Be Handled Immediately
In most cases, if the employee has come to you or someone else, their complaint should be listened to attentively without anyone taking sides. The others involved should also be spoken to separately, with the entire process going forth privately to avoid as much gossip and speculation as possible within the rest of the company. If the issue does not seem clear-cut, you may need to have a company representative examine the matter further and recommend what action should be taken. From beginning to end, the complaint (no matter how informal) should be thoroughly documented in case an agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission steps in to investigate.
Outline a No-Tolerance Policy for Such Behavior in an Employee Manual
Although both sexual harassment and discrimination are all too often an issue in today’s culture and workplaces, make sure you take every step possible in your company to prevent such problems. While you cannot control what others may do, preventative measures can be taken such as education within the workplace and a no-tolerance policy regarding such behavior. If your company has an employee booklet or policies and procedures manual, take the time to include a comprehensive section regarding discrimination complaints in the workplace—and what actions will be taken against offenders.
Call Us for Help
Do you need help with a legal issue regarding your business or the workplace? Call Shane Coons now at 949-333-0900 or email us at Shane.Coons@seclawoffices.com. We can review your case, answer your questions, and help you decide how to move forward. We are here to help!