Running a successful business means running a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. However, there may be potential workplace issues that come up, making it critical that you are handling it in an appropriate manner. Here is how to properly handle a discrimination or harassment claim in your workplace:
- Be respectful. When a complaint is brought to your attention, it is important to ensure that they are treated with both respect and consideration, taking their claim seriously.
- Do not point fingers. It is critical to not place blame on the person that is filing the complaint. If you do, not only do you risk the chances of a retaliation claim, but you are also making yourself an unreliable and untrustworthy resource for your employees.
- Do not retaliate. Just like it is important to not blame your complainant, it is as equally critical to ensure that you are not retaliating against them as well. It is illegal to punish any employee for filing a complaint, so be sure to avoid any sort of punishment. This may include, but are not limited to changing the employee’s hours or pay, terminating their employment, or excluding them from business events.
- Follow policy and procedures. Every business should have a policy in place on how to handle any form of complaint, especially discrimination and harassment ones. Be sure to follow these established rules in order to prevent unfair treatment or incorrect procedures.
- Keep confidentiality. Not only is it not your place, or any other employees’ place to know about the complaint, as well as the details. Not only will this information have the ability to damage a workplace environment, but it can also damage the reputations of any persons involved.
If you are experiencing a workplace discrimination or harassment issue, and require the expertise and advice of an employment attorney, contact the law office of Maduuf & Maduff today.