Most employers are careful to avoid violating their employees’ rights. However, sometimes it can be challenging to know whether or not you are crossing the line. If you’re not sure whether or not your actions could be considered discriminatory or harassing, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you understand the law and make sure you are taking appropriate steps to protect your employees’ rights.

What is employee discrimination?

Discrimination occurs when an individual or group of individuals is treated unfairly or differently because of their protected class. There are a number of different protected types, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and disability.

Employee discrimination can take several different forms. It can occur when an employer makes hiring or firing decisions based on an individual’s protected class. It can also happen when an employer treats employees differently based on their protected class. For example, an employer may pay two employees different wages for doing the same job simply because they are of different genders.

Common examples of discriminatory practices?

There are many different ways that an employer can discriminate against their employees. Some common examples include making hiring or firing decisions based on a protected class, refusing to promote employees because of their protected class, and harassing or discriminating against employees in the workplace.

Discrimination may also occur if the employer refuses to train an employee, which can result in personal injuries. The lack of training can be a severe problem, and this could be a piece of evidence if the employee wants to file a personal injury case with the help of a lawyer.

What is harassment?

Harassment is any type of behavior that is unwelcome and offensive. It can be verbal, physical, or visual, and it can occur in the workplace or outside of work.

There are 2 classifications of workplace harassment: hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment.

Quid pro quo harassment takes place when an individual’s rejection of or submission to unwelcome behavior is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting that individual. For example, an employer may tell an employee that they need to sleep with them in order to keep their job.

Hostile work environment harassment occurs when an employer or coworker creates an environment that is hostile, intimidating, or offensive. This type of harassment can be verbal, physical, or visual, and it can occur in the workplace or outside of work. Some common examples of hostile work environment harassment include making sexual comments or jokes, making offensive gestures, and physical bullying.

Common examples of harassing behavior

There are many different types of harassing behavior, but some common examples include making offensive jokes or comments, sexual harassment, and bullying.

What are the consequences of violating your employees’ rights?

If you are found to have violated your employees’ rights, you could be subject to a number of different penalties. These can include financial liabilities, such as paying back wages or compensatory damages, and non-financial penalties, such as being required to take corrective action or being placed on probation. You may also be subject to criminal charges if the violation is found to be intentional.

How can you avoid violating your employees’ rights?

The best way to avoid violating your employees’ rights is to be aware of the law and to make sure that you are treating all of your employees fairly and equally. If you’re ever unsure about whether or not your actions could be considered discriminatory or harassing, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney.

The five employee rights that are most often violated in discrimination cases are the right to be free from discrimination, the right to be free from harassment, equal pay for equal work, a safe and healthy workplace, and the right to fair treatment.

Where to ask for help

If you’re not sure whether your actions could be considered discriminatory or harassing, you can contact an attorney for assistance. There are also a number of organizations that offer free legal advice to employees who have been discriminated against or harassed.

Conclusion

Employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees are treated fairly and within the confines of the law. One key consideration is ensuring employees are not being subjected to unlawful discrimination or harassment. If you’re ever unsure about whether or not your actions could be considered discriminatory or harassing, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney. Organizations like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offer free legal advice to employees who have been discriminated against or harassed.