Avoiding Employment Lawsuits

Employment lawsuits can derail a business just as it could derail an employee’s career. In each case, both parties are working to protect themselves and their livelihoods. For employers, there are many scenarios that play into an employment lawsuit, so it is a good idea to protect your business and have guidelines in place to prevent a lawsuit.

If you run a business, having a good Human Resources director or department is essential to help reduce employee lawsuits. A competent Human Resources department should know the employment laws in your state. Another good suggestion is to have a knowledgeable employment lawyer to help navigate a sticky situation or answer questions, other than prepare you for a lawsuit. The following are a few suggestions to help reduce lawsuits in your business:

• Issue an employee handbook. An employee handbook will make guidelines easier to follow for your workers. Be sure to keep the handbook updated as employment laws could change in your state. Also, it is best to familiarize yourself and your managers with the rules that should be followed in your company.
• Keep documentation. Be sure to document any incident or complaint involving your employees may have. If you must discipline an employee, make sure to document the situation and your employee’s reaction, and make sure that the disciplinary action is fair and consistent.
• Conduct annual or semi-annual performance reviews. These reviews give employees feedback or reward them for good work, which in turn, boosts employee morale and productivity, which could limit lawsuits or complaints.
• Have an open-door policy. Statistics have shown that an open and trustworthy relationship between management and employees helps boost morale. Low morale in the workplace will bring more lawsuits against the employer.
• Have well-trained managers to help with employee complaints. They should know how to handle discrimination problems and report back to the necessary department. If an employee has an issue or complaint, make sure to handle it right away. Make the employee aware that their problem is important to you and that you would see it to a fair conclusion.
• Monitor your employees. This involves documenting attendance records and monitoring their computer usage, phone usage, and expenses. Properly reimburse your employees of any expenses they have, and keep in mind that if expenses were not documented or monitored, the bills can get out of hand very quickly.

Cherry Hill Employment Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. Defend the Rights of Employers and Employees

Discrimination and harassment in the workplace are serious issues and must be handled carefully. If you are an employee being treated unfairly, or an employer facing a lawsuit, contact the Cherry Hill employment lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates, P.C. We will defend your rights and obtain the justice you deserve. Call us today at 215-569-1999 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Marlton, Moorestown, and Mount Laurel.