These days the U.S. Department of Labor enforces roughly 180 worker protection laws, ranging from pay requirements to parental leave benefits. 1 Other protections are supervised by agencies such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Here are eight key federal protections afforded employees. Key Takeaways
Should you treat all your employees equally?
Treating employees equally boosts morale and productivity. Spend some time each week chatting with each employee about non-work related topics. While you may find it easier to strike up a conversation with some employees than others, ignoring employees can create the perception that you prefer the employees you talk with regularly.
Should all employees be treated equally?
One of the basic rules of the workplace is that employers must treat employees fairly and equally. In a Title VII employment lawsuit, an employee claiming discrimination can win by showing that her employer treated her differently than other “similarly situated” employees. But who is similarly situated?
Are employers paying their employees equitably?
These Action Items are not required by law and may not be feasible for all employers. However, adopting some, or all, of these action items may assist in promoting a culture of pay equity in the workplace. Generally, California law requires employers to pay the same wage rate to employees who perform substantially similar work.
How to treat employees equally?
Traits of a Fair Manager
- Follow the Golden Rule. Treat everyone you encounter as you would like to be treated. ...
- Model the Rules and Behaviors. When you follow the rules and apply them equally to everyone, you are being fair. ...
- Change the Rules When Necessary. ...
- Be Considerate of Others. ...
- Honesty Is the Best Policy. ...
- Playing Favorites. ...
- Politics. ...
- Fairness in the Workplace. ...
Do employers have to treat employees equally?
Employers are allowed to treat workers differently based on their individual job performance and can discipline and reward them differently based on that. It is also not unlawful for an employer to treat an employee differently because of personality differences.
Who is responsible for discrimination in the workplace?
The EEOC is responsible for protecting you from one type of discrimination - employment discrimination because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, age (age 40 or older), or genetic information.
How do you ensure equal employment opportunity?
Your equal employment opportunity responsibilitiesMake fair employment decisions. ... Grant reasonable accommodations. ... Craft unbiased policies. ... Stop workplace harassment. ... Provide equal pay. ... Respond to discrimination complaints. ... Display discrimination laws. ... Keep employment records.
What is the EEOC responsible for?
United StatesEqual Employment Opportunity Commission / Jurisdiction
What law protects employees from discrimination?
Workplace discrimination legislation (the Equality Act 2010) protects employees with 'protected characteristics' from unfair treatment. Protected characteristics include sex, marital status, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and age.
What is considered unfair treatment in the workplace?
Some of the most common examples of unfair treatment at work include: Spreading false rumors about coworkers. Neglecting a promotion or pay raise due to a race, gender, or other non-work-specific trait. Sending offensive emails or texts regarding an employee.
Who does the EEOC report to?
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has two agencies which deal with EEO monitoring and enforcement, the Civil Rights Center and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Civil Rights Center oversees EEO in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
How do HR deal with discrimination issues?
If you receive a complaint of discrimination, here are some suggested tips for handling:Make sure you investigate it. ... Become familiar with the law if you are unfamiliar.Don't become angry at the complaining employee.Treat the employee making the complaint with respect and compassion.More items...
What is the difference between EEO and EEOC?
EEO rights are guaranteed by federal and state fair employment laws and are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and its state counterparts.
Which agencies monitor and enforce the implementation of the Anti Discrimination Acts?
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or ...
What laws do the EEOC enforce?
The EEOC enforces the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Titles I and V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA), Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).
What is EEOC complaint?
An EEOC complaint is filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is responsible for investigating the complaint. Those EEOC complaints could include discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age and disability.
What is the mistake that managers make when asking employees for their thoughts, opinions, and ideas?
A common mistake managers make is asking employees for their thoughts, opinions and ideas, but not following through with implementation or communication (why these thoughts, opinions, and ideas were or were not acted upon). If you’re going to ask a question, be prepared to respond with words and actions.
Why do people quit their jobs?
Your employees need to feel they’re being compensated fairly for the value they’re providing. In a managerial capacity, you need to know what makes your employees tick. This compensation is not just monetary.
What happens when you feel unfairly treated?
When employees feel they’re being treated unfairly, they become less productive. If an employee finds out a peer is making more money for performing the same role, a manager is spending extra time with one person, or someone’s ideas are unfairly favored, productivity suffers.
What is equality in the workplace?
What exactly is Equality in the workplace? Equality is fair treatment for people in every facet of life regardless of gender, race, disability, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or age. But here’s the catch.
Why is equality important in the workplace?
Equality in the workplace ensures people are given equal opportunities, equal pay, and are well accepted for their differences. It is creating an inclusive and conducive work environment where employees feel secure and happy. Equality ensures removing any chances of discrimination in the workplace.
What is equality in business?
To highlight that equality is at the core of your business plan, it is essential that you have a written plan and policy in place. It will not only make things hassle-free and systematic, but it will also reinforce how serious the organization is in this matter. The said plan should cover every aspect of the workplace, from recruitment to onboarding to salaries and benefits and everything in between.
What is inclusion in a society?
Inclusion is when every person in the society is valued, heard, supported, and respected, and people feel a sense of belongingness. Establishing equality is a top challenge that the entire human society is facing at the moment. Businesses and specifically people management can play a significant role in making the workplace better for everyone.
What does diversity in the workforce mean?
A diverse workforce means more representation of your consumer persona within the workforce. When your workforce reflects your customers, it helps in greater capture of the target market. 4. Enhance Company Brand Reputation: How a company is perceived outside of the organization is a matter of great importance.
Why is it important to create a culture where people from all backgrounds are treated equally?
When you create a culture where people from all backgrounds are treated equally, it enhances collaboration. A variety of skills and experiences among the team also means that employees can learn from each other. It helps in building cohesive teams focused on attaining the common goals and of the company. 3.
What is the primary branch of equality?
You can do it by making adjustments in the system to meet the needs of other people. The primary branches of equality are Diversity and Inclusion. “Companies that embrace diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their business statistically outperform their peers.”.
What is the best way to achieve gender equality?
This means that everyone has the same opportunities and equal pay for equal work. Workplaces should be a place where men and women want to work and feel rewarded and cared for with their work. Men and women may take advantage of different perks and opportunities. ...
What is gender equality?
In business, gender equality is the equal treatment and access of your female and male employees to opportunities and company resources. This includes employers providing equal opportunities and consideration for promotions; pay raises; desirable, preferred jobs; advancement, and inclusion in decision-making processes.
How to make your workplace comfortable for men and women?
In order to make your workplace comfortable for men and women, make sure your managers are trained in how to manage. A manager can make or break a company. Your managers need to know relevant employment laws.
What to do when Jane asks for a more flexible schedule?
When Jane asks for a more flexible schedule, don't deny it because John doesn't have one. Consider whether her request is reasonable and say yes or no based on the facts. If John comes and asks for a flexible schedule, consider his request, and say yes or no based on the facts of his situation.
Who is Susan Heathfield?
Susan Heathfield is an HR and management consultant with an MS degree. She has covered HR for The Balance Careers since 2000. In business, gender equality is the equal treatment and access of your female and male employees to opportunities and company resources.
Is discrimination against a person because of their gender identity?
Discrimination against a person because of their gender identity, including transgender status, or because of sexual orientation is discrimination because of sex and is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. 3 . Recommended approaches exist that focus on creating gender equality in the workplace.
Why is treating employees fairly important?
By Faizah Imani. Treating employees fairly in the workplace is not just a moral responsibility. It is also necessary to ensure maximum company growth. When an employee is treated unfairly, it results in decreased employee morale. Low morale results in decreased employee productivity. It can also result in high employee turnover.
How to avoid discrimination?
Doing so can cause the unfavored employee to resent you. What applies to one employee should apply to all. Do not discriminate based on race, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender or any other quality.
Can you promote someone based on their qualifications?
Promote an employee solely based on how qualified he is to perform the job, not because of a personal relationship. Otherwise, his promotion will appear unfair to other employees who are more qualified to perform the job.
Is it unfair to discipline an employee for breaking the rules?
Disciplining an employee who is unaware of the rules is unfair. Along that same line, if one employee is disciplined for breaking the rules, all employees should be disciplined for breaking the rules.
Why is it important to meet your employees' unique working situations?
It’s essential you meet their unique working situations with understanding and respect. If one of them is going through a tough time or situation, then their performance will likely waiver as a result. Knowing these circumstances is a direct result of having a solid and trusting relationship with your employees.
What percentage of employees wish their managers communicated with them more frequently?
When all employees experience the same amount of respect from leaders, stronger, more meaningful relationships have space to grow in the future. Unfortunately, 31% of employees wish their managers communicated with them more frequently, according to Officevibe’s State of Employee Engagement report. Another 57% wouldn’t recommend their companies as a good place of employment.
Why is favoritism worse in the workplace?
Now, as an adult, workplace favoritism feels even worse as it decreases morale and productivity. That’s why it’s critical employers understand why treating employees fairly, consistently across their workforce, is necessary for individual and overall company success.
Who is Nicole Nicholson?
Nicole Nicholson. Nicole is the Content Editor for Spark Hire and mainly writes for and edits the work for the Spark News blog. She graduated in 2010 with a BA in Journalism from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. She has a passion for writing, editing, and pretty much anything to do with content.
What does fairness mean in leadership?
Fairness means a leader treats everyone appropriately and individually, based on circumstances and contribution. You need to exercise sound judgment regarding your employees. There are several ways you can do this as a leader to ensure you’re creating a fair environment for your employees.
What is fair treatment in the workplace?
Fair Treatment In The Workplace. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protects employees from unfair treatment in the workplace. If you believe that you are being treated unfairly, you may have a right to take action against your employer if you are unable to resolve the concern internally. However, it is important to understand what fair treatment ...
What is fair treatment?
Fair treatment in the workplace refers to equality and fairness as it relates to financial compensation, benefits, disability accommodations, vacation time and paid leave. It is important for you as the employee to understand what is considered fair treatment to determine if you are being treated unfairly.
How to document being treated?
Document How You Are Being Treated Daily. If you are subject to unfair or illegal treatment by your employee or coworker (s), then document how you are treated. This may include collecting emails, memos, text messages and other proof of unfair treatment that you can use to strengthen your case.
What happens if you are not awarded PTO?
If you are promised a certain amount of paid time off (PTO) that you are not awarded, then you may take action due to unfair treatment in the workplace. This applies to approved vacations, family leave, military leave and other types of absences.
How to deal with fair treatment dispute?
When in a fair treatment dispute, the opposition may look for anything to help their case, including your discussions about the situation (and other work-related situations) with others through email and on your social media accounts. It is best to stay away from social media until the issue is resolved.
Can an employer fire you for retaliation?
It is illegal for your employer to fire you for retaliating or reporting unfair treatment in the workplace. An independent HR consultant will guide you through the process, ensuring you remain protected and understand how to resolve the situation calmly.
Is equal pay legal?
Unfair pay, especially if it is related to discrimination based on the person’s gender, race, age, religion, etc. is not legal and the employee may have the right to take action.
What happens when you treat employees fairly?
When you treat employees fairly, the focus in the office will shift away from grievances to how everyone can work together to achieve goals. According to The Balance, “When you treat others fairly two things happen. Your employees notice and respect you for it.
What is the golden rule?
The golden rule is another one of those life lessons we all learned as children. “ Treat others as you want to be treated.”. While this is a good rule to follow in general, it doesn’t always work in the office environment.
What Exactly Is Equality in The Workplace?
Benefits of Equality in The Workplace
- Let’s evaluate some of the amazing benefits that your business can have by embracing equality in the workplace:
How to Promote Equality in The Workplace?
- 1. Start From Hiring:
The best way to foster a balanced workforce is through good hiring practices. You must take a more holistic approach to recruitment and remove any prejudices that might exist. Ensure you take full advantage of the vast talent pool that exists simply because you embrace diversity and … - 2. Focus on Training and Mentorship Programs:
Training and mentorship programs need to be re-evaluated to accommodate a diverse workforce. You must make sure that people from different backgrounds don’t feel lost and confused during the process. Maintain a global tone throughout the training curriculum and conduct one-on-one …