In today’s organizations and companies, preventing discrimination should be at the top of everyone’s list.
An ideal workplace environment nurtures a level of respect, support, empathy, and overall understanding between all members. Sadly, there are still companies that allow and even encourage unfair treatment and discrimination at work.
California Employment Counsel, APC encourages workers to assert their rights and fight back against workplace discrimination.
To avoid a lawsuit and legal consequences of discrimination, employers must protect the welfare and safety of their workers. But how can an employer or organization curb discrimination in the workplace?
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Before we discuss various measures employers must implement, let’s first define what discrimination in the workplace means.
Workplace discrimination is an unlawful act where an individual or a group of people is treated less favorably or differently than others due to certain prejudices.
It can be because of their gender, sexuality, age, color, race, national origin, religious belief, marital status, political belief or activity, or disability.
Tips to Prevent Discrimination in the Workplace
Workplace discrimination may stem from you, as an employer, or from other employees in the company. No matter who does it, you have the responsibility to monitor and prevent discrimination in your organization.
To help you curb discrimination and cultivate a safe and comfortable workplace environment, consider following these tips below.
Educate Employees About All Applicable Anti-discrimination Laws
The first step to prevent this unlawful practice from happening in the workplace is to educate yourself and all employees about discrimination. Try to read up on all anti-discrimination laws that apply to your organization.
Some employers think that complying with federal anti-discrimination laws such as Title VII is enough. They fail to realize that each state also has a unique definition and policies for workplace discrimination.
As an employer, you must familiarize yourself with the laws and pass on your knowledge to all workers.
Create a Policy for Anti-discrimination in the Workplace
After understanding all applicable anti-discrimination laws, the next step is to create a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy in the workplace.
If you already have an existing one, you can broaden and update these policies. You must write it clearly and concisely to ensure that everyone can easily understand and follow it.
It should clearly explain that there’s no room for discriminatory acts in the workplace. The policy should also describe the types of behaviors that will not be tolerated in the company.
Once you have a comprehensive anti-discrimination policy, you must include it in the employee handbook and ensure each worker signs an acknowledgment of these terms.
Develop a Procedure for Sending Complaints and Resolving Discrimination Issues
Creating anti-discrimination policies and putting them in the handbook isn’t enough. Employers must also ensure they address and resolve any discrimination issues that workers experience.
They must provide a safe way for people to send complaints while maintaining confidentiality.
Employers must also develop a procedure on how to resolve the issue. The HR or other unbiased investigatory body should treat the complaint seriously and investigate it promptly.
They must conduct appropriate interviews and check all evidence thoroughly. Once the investigation is complete, the involved parties should be informed, and the wrongdoer must be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.
Conduct Regular Anti-discrimination Training Programs
In some states, the law requires employers to conduct regular anti-discrimination training programs. You can think of it as a refresher course to ensure all workers understand the company policy and consequences of workplace discrimination.
These training programs can also act as a team-building exercise to help workers interact and understand each other better.
Review the Policy Regularly and Check if It’s Still Effective
Employers must actively review the policies from time to time and monitor how workers interact with each other to ensure compliance.
If you notice that the policies aren’t working out for the company anymore, it might be time to make necessary changes. You must stay proactive and consistent in establishing a safe and comfortable workplace environment.
Takeaway
Whether you want to protect yourself from a lawsuit or wish to nurture and maintain a safe and positive work environment, there are plenty of ways you can prevent workplace discrimination.
As an employer, you have the power to make necessary changes and implement policies that protect the welfare and safety of your people.
With the help of an employment lawyer, you can also stay informed with anti-discriminatory laws and practices to prevent workplace discrimination.
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