A group of employees feels that your company discriminates against women and minorities. They have a beef with your payment practices. They voice concerns about harassment and workplace safety. They start an email group. You feel they are just instigating conflict. You shut the email group down. They’ve tried surveys and other messaging channels. You […]
Why Employers Should Care About An ESPN Anchor Being Suspended
There’s no lawsuit–at least not now, anyway. There are no harassment or discrimination allegations. An employee made comments on a podcast, presumably done outside of work hours. So if the employer finds such comments objectionable, is that really a problem? What’s the problem? It’s legal after-work activity, right? Does an employer have a right to […]
Yes, Just One — or Two–Slur(s) CAN Create a Hostile Work Environment!
Do you handle HR issues? Notice I didn’t ask if you are an HR practitioner. Some companies do not have an HR Department but designate someone to handle HR issues that arise. Either way, let’s assume you do handle HR issues. What would you do if an employee complained to you about a supervisor that […]
Short-Term Employment and Hostile Work Environment Claims Don’t Mix— or Do They??
Suppose you have a seasonal business. You, therefore, hire mostly short-term employees. They work one or more particular seasons and then they’re gone. One day an employee comes to you and reports that s/he is being harassed because of his/her disability. You’re sorry to hear that, but you reason that s/he won’t be there much […]
A SLAPP in the Face? Why You Might Not Want to File a Counterclaim in a Workplace Harassment Suit
“My employee just sued me and my company claiming sexual harassment. It’s patently false. I want to counter-sue”. I’ve heard this one before. Can you file a counterclaim to a workplace harassment suit? In theory, maybe. Should you? That’s another question altogether. Why shouldn’t you file a counterclaim — particularly if you really believe — and maybe even […]