Harassment is a real concern for many employers. Allowing it to go unchecked could lead to lawsuits, complaints and the loss of good employees. To help make it clear that you will not allow harassment in the workplace, it's important that you establish a written policy that details what is not acceptable.
What should you include in an anti-harassment policy?
Is your employer prepared to accommodate your disability?
You may have worked for a company for several years, but a recent vehicle crash has left you with a physical disability, and now you require a wheelchair.
You are looking forward to returning to work, but you are concerned about company policy. Will your employer provide accommodation that will allow you to perform your job to the best of your ability?
What Californians should know about telework
Interview questions employers cannot ask
Employers should prepare a list of questions they intend to ask job applicants when they come in for the formal interview. The purpose of these questions is to assess whether the individual is the best fit for the position. However, before anyone comes in, the employer first needs to ensure none of the questions violate California law.
Employers never want to find themselves with an employment discrimination case. One recommended way to lower your liability is to avoid asking the following questions, which applicants could perceive as a boss who wants to weed out people within a given demographic.
Tips for creating an anti-discrimination policy
One of the best things you can do for your small business is adopting an anti-discrimination policy. Not only will this help prevent discrimination from taking place, but it will also reduce the chances of you being on the receiving end of an employee complaint.
You may assume that anti-discrimination laws are enough. However, a policy can help employees feel more welcome and establish procedures for dealing with inappropriate behavior. Here are some areas to consider covering with your anti-discrimination handbook.
Can you ask about an applicant's citizenship?
If you have ever recruited for a position, you know how difficult it can be to find qualified candidates. In fact, you may look through hundreds of applications before you find a skilled applicant. When you do, you want to be certain your new candidate is employable.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 prevents U.S. employers from knowingly hiring workers who lack the legal authorization to work in the country. To confirm work eligibility, you must complete and retain I-9 forms for everyone you hire. Can you ask about citizenship status on an employment application, though?
New CA Laws Target Workplace Sexual Harassment And Discrimination
The #MeToo movement gained national attention in October 2017 when multiple allegations of sexual harassment against movie producer Harvey Weinstein came to light. Since these first revelations, the effects of the #MeToo movement have reverberated in workplaces throughout the U.S., resulting in states like California taking steps to enact new laws and protections aimed to curb sexual harassment in the workplace.
The following senate and assembly bills became state law on Jan. 1, 2019.
Is religious discrimination the reason your job duties changed?
California is a state known for its diversity and both state and federal employment laws prohibit discrimination based on various personal identifying factors including gender, race, national origin and religion. For employees who work in customer-facing roles and wear hijabs, crosses or follow certain grooming practices due to their religious beliefs, there is always fear that a customer may complain about what they are wearing or how they look.
In cases where a customer does complain about an employee's religious dress or appearance and an employee is suddenly moved to a non-customer facing role, he or she may choose to speak with an employment law attorney about filing an employment discrimination lawsuit.
Is a remote employee who falls ill covered under the CFRA?
The California Family Rights Act is a California statute that permits leave for certain conditions. If you are an eligible employee, you may take leave of up to 12 weeks for a serious health condition or a similar condition that affects a family member. It also covers the birth or adoption of a child.
Lawmakers updated the CFRA in 2015 with new regulations that spell out coverage for remote employees.
Important aspects of employee contracts
Employees are key to many businesses. If employers are not careful, they may find themselves facing litigation for handling certain employee situations in the wrong manner.
To help avoid this, it is important to have proper business practices in place. In that vein, there are a couple of important aspects of employee contracts to be aware of.
