If you are a business owner, most likely you are in a position of leadership. While you may have had an entrepreneurial spirit that made you a good fit for starting a company, managing a team may have presented many challenges from the beginning. This is usually especially true for first time business owners. While wading through figuring out all the tax forms that must be filled out, schedules and timecards that must be accounted for, and state rules and regulations, you must also be there to offer a vision for the company and motivate and inspire while managing. Most business owners and managers will say that can be a tall order to fill.
Today, amidst the need to be politically correct on all sides, you may find yourself walking on eggshells in terms of managing a team. And while the point of being in business is keep clients happy and turn a profit, as a team begins to work together positively and truly connect, your business can only grow more successful.
Educate yourself on these contemporary hot points when it comes to managing a thriving team at work:
- Sexual harassment policies in the workplace – everyone should know that sexual harassment is strictly prohibited, but some may not understand the finer points of such abuse in the workplace. There should be strict consequences, whether one employee experiences harassment physically, verbally, in writing, or is threatened with the loss of their job if they do not give in to harassment.
- Discrimination laws – while you may have no intention of discriminating against anyone, be sure you are educated on how to handle hiring and firing properly, along with the interviewing process and letting candidates know why they were or were not chosen, if that must be addressed.
- Safety – make sure you are aware of all OSHA and state regulations regarding workplace safety, from offering the proper protection from any potential toxic hazards on the job to making sure fire safety inspections are in place, and more.
- Federal and state labor laws, and wage issues – be apprised of all union or non-union laws, including varying regulations by state, since many have different laws.
- Privacy issues in this workplace – this can be very tricky, so make sure you are completely in the know regarding laws on monitoring, drug testing, divulging of information to other parties, and more.
If your business needs experienced legal help for a business issue or dispute, contact Shane Coons now at 949-333-0900 or email at Shane.Coons@seclawoffices.com. Our law office represents clients involved in a wide range of businesses and legal issues, and we would be glad to review your case and help you explore your options.