Basics of Employment Law
What are the “basics of employment law”?
Employment law is the set of rules under which employers must operate, comprised of federal and state statutes, federal and state regulations, and court decisions from the state and federal courts and administrative agencies. The laws are numerous and complex, and they are constantly changing.
So why does your company need help on the basics of employment law?
Because employers of all sizes and in every segment of the business community are experiencing employment-related claims from workers. The litigation costs and damage awards are high and, in many cases, are accompanied by a six-figure award for the prevailing worker plus attorney’s fees.
Employers must always tread carefully when making employment decisions involving someone in a protected class. Discrimination can take place relating to any term or condition of employment, such as…
- hiring and firing
- transfers
- promotions and salary increases
- evaluations, compensation and benefits
- reductions in force and reorganizations.
After an accusation by an employee, the burden of proof that discrimination did not take place during any of these employment decisions rests with the employer. Rather than a good defense, the best way to avoid expensive litigation is to institute preventative measures, which include employee training, sound policies and procedures to follow, and internal investigations into complaints.
Employment Practices Group Strategies
EPG provides a number of services designed to help your company navigate through the legal requirements that will provide protection against litigation. They include:
- Creating current and complete employee handbooks that are compliant with state and federal laws and regulations
- Presenting training sessions on handling diversity in the workplace
- Educating managers and supervisors on protected class discrimination
- Training both managers and employees on sexual harassment
- Presenting training sessions on workplace violence
- Conducting internal investigations in the event of an employee accusation
- Representing you, the employer, in the event of a lawsuit
- Providing evaluation and coaching on other preventative personnel practices, such as maintaining lawful employee files and job descriptions, conducting performance appraisals, and handling performance problems and employee termination
- Consulting on company-wide employee issues, such as reductions in force
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