Discrimination in the workplace is a serious matter. Not only does discrimination in the workplace create a tense and unpleasant atmosphere for employees, but discrimination in the workplace could also potentially lead to lawsuits. Employers must work to prevent discrimination in the workplace at all costs in order to establish a trend of acceptance and trust between employees.

The following article from the Houston Chronicle outlines steps that an employer may take in order to prevent discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination can come in many forms—many that tend to go unnoticed. Continue reading to learn how one can identify and handle discrimination in the workplace.

How do I Prevent Discrimination in the Workplace?

Discrimination in the workplace can come in many forms, including sexual harassment, race, religion and ethnic discrimination. When an employer does not take the proper steps to prevent discrimination in the workplace, the atmosphere at the company can be uncomfortable and the employer could be liable for a discrimination lawsuit. Every small business owner should take the necessary steps to prevent discrimination in the workplace, and encourage harmony and cooperation among the employees.

Step 1

Work with a business attorney with experience in discrimination policies to develop a discrimination policies and procedures manual for all employees. Make the manual as comprehensive as possible, following all state and federal discrimination laws, and work with the attorney once a quarter to make any appropriate changes.

Step 2

Review the manual with the management staff, and explain the company policies regarding discrimination to all managers. Encourage managers to ask any questions, and have all managers sign a form saying they took the discrimination training and they understood it.

Step 3

Require all employees to review the discrimination policies and procedures manual, and attend a mandatory quarterly training on discrimination in the workplace. Have every employee sign a form stating that they took the discrimination training and understand it.

Step 4

Encourage cooperation and equality in the workplace by creating diverse work groups and departments throughout the company.

Step 5

Set up a way that employees can report discrimination to a human resources professional. It is helpful to have a human resources professional that is experienced in handling discrimination complaints, as they require a level of candidness that other human resources issues do not require.

Step 6

Alert managers of the employees mentioned in discrimination complaints that their employee will have to answer the complaint. Schedule a meeting that includes the manager, the human resources representative and the accused employee.

Step 7

Make a quick decision on disciplinary action to be taken on discrimination complaints, and make a note of the episode in the employee’s file.

Tips

Encourage your managers to clamp down on discrimination in the workplace. The actions of your managers will help to prevent discrimination almost more than creating an official policy.

Instating anti-discrimination policies is the first step that an employer can take to prevent discrimination in the workplace. Secondly, employers should work to create a code of trust between workers. In this situation, leading by example may be the most successful tactic.

As a business owner, one should take all measures to protect the business from disgruntled employees. While it is important to prevent discrimination in the workplace through all of the measures listed above, it is not always possible to control the actions of others. Employers should make sure that their insurance covers discrimination claims. Most general liability insurance does not cover instances of professional negligence or errors by management, which could leave one in a tight spot should a discrimination claim arise.

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What ways do you work to ensure that you prevent discrimination in the workplace? We would love to hear more from you in our comments section below!