Running a business is no small feat. Whether you own a small mom and pop company or employ thousands of employees, you are going to face legal issues that can jeopardize your business. In addition to a wide variety of business litigation issues, companies can also face employment litigation. Employment litigation can be damaging in many ways. Not only can it be expensive, but it can also tarnish a company’s reputation and take a serious blow at the morale of current employees. However, there are many steps companies can take to prevent employment litigation.
Prevent Employment Litigation With These Five Strategies
Many businesses might be reluctant to spend time implementing employment litigation prevention strategies, but the reality is that without these strategies, they are opening themselves up to serious risk. These five tips can go a long way in preventing employment issues.
- Have written procedures for conduct. In light of the #MeToo movement, more victims of sexual harassment are empowered to share their experiences. Sexual harassment and discrimination of any kind have no place in the workplace. Companies should have written rules for conduct that not only forbids discriminatory behavior, but also provides consequences for employees that do discriminate against others. Companies should also have written procedures for clock-in and clock-out requirements and overtime regulations.
- Provide adequate training. There are numerous types of training that can help maintain a safe workplace. Things like safety training, sexual harassment and discrimination training, and wage and hour regulation training will go a long way toward preventing future litigation. While most companies only offer training to managers, a company can greatly benefit from offering this to every employee.
- Provide a method for employees to submit complaints. Employees should have an avenue to submit information about complaints, harassment, or violations so they can be resolved as quickly as possible. Some employees like to submit complaints anonymously, so employers should create a system that allows for anonymity.
- Establish dispute resolution procedures. Preparation is key to handling employment disputes. By defining processes before they are needed, companies can clear a pathway to resolution.
- Don’t wait to contact an attorney. No matter is too small for an attorney. If an employee submits a complaint, an attorney can help resolve the issue efficiently.
Employment Litigation Help
The employment litigation lawyers of Feldman & Feldman are experienced in working with businesses of all sizes. We can institute preventative measures or represent you if an issue has already occurred. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.