A single employment liability case can result in substantial losses for a company.
To avoid employment law disputes, you need a sound liability prevention strategy.
Elements of a strong employment plan
The first step in loss prevention is to create an employment strategy. Start with a thorough employee handbook you can use during onboarding and address as needed. It should include all company procedures and policies and give employees a tangible reference.
Other crucial elements to consider are your strategies for writing employment contracts, including noncompete agreements, issues with employee classification and wage disputes, and how you would handle layoffs and terminations. Prevention training for unlawful acts, such as harassment and discrimination, should be a top priority.
Federal laws all employers should understand
A component of being an employer is understanding the federal and state laws that apply to employment:
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal law established to protect employees from workplace discrimination based on many characteristics, including race, religion and gender.
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is a state authority designated to investigate discrimination in housing, employment, education and commercial property.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act is federally regulated and specifically protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
- The Fair Labor Standards Act governs the elements of employment such as overtime pay, recordkeeping and minimum wage.
- Title VII specifically addresses discrimination based on national origin, race, sex, religion and color. Employees file complaints with the EEOC.
Before drafting and implementing workplace policies, it is crucial to get legal advice to ensure your company is in complete compliance.