You’ve heard the rumors, you’ve seen the headlines, and you know that keeping your employees happy and healthy is crucial. But how do you make sure you’re getting everything you need from your employees?
Employment lawsuits can be incredibly costly, with many leading to bankruptcies and significant financial losses. So, what causes these lawsuits? And how can you mitigate this happening in your company?
Here, we’re exploring the top five most common employee lawsuits and how to ensure you’re not dealing with them. Keep reading for all the information.
1. Discrimination and Harassment
Discrimination and harassment in the workplace are two of the most common employee lawsuits. Employees who feel that they have been treated unfairly or harassed can file a lawsuit against their employer.
To avoid these lawsuits, employers should create a discrimination and harassment policy that is clear and easy to understand. They should also train their employees on what constitutes discrimination and harassment. If an employee does make a complaint, the employer should take it seriously and investigate the matter.
2. Unpaid Wages and Other Compensation
Unpaid wages and other compensation can happen when an employer doesn’t pay an employee for all the hours they’ve worked. Or if they don’t pay them the correct amount of money for their overtime hours.
To avoid this, employers should always make sure to keep accurate records of the hours their employees work. They should make sure to pay them on time and in full.
3. Wrongful Termination
An employee can sue for wrongful termination if they believe they were fired for an unlawful reason. Such as discrimination or retaliation. To avoid this type of lawsuit, employers should make sure they have a clear and lawful reason for terminating an employee. Document all performance issues leading up to the termination.
4. Work-Related Injuries or Illnesses
One of the most common employee lawsuits is based on workplace injuries or illnesses. To avoid this type of lawsuit, employers should take measures to ensure the safety of their employees. This includes providing proper training, ensuring that safety equipment is in good working order, and maintaining a safe workplace.
That’s why when looking for services, such as choosing commercial roofers and other service providers, it is important to check if these companies follow the standard safety procedure and if they are properly insured.
It’s worth checking if they have the proper safety training certifications and equipment as well. This will protect you and your property should an accident happen during a service call.
5. Retaliation for Reporting Illegal Activity
Reporting illegal activity is a protected activity under the law. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for reporting illegal activity. The most common retaliation claims are based on an employee’s report of discrimination or harassment. Other common claims include retaliation for reporting wage and hour violations, workplace safety concerns, and fraud.
To avoid retaliation claims, employers should have clear policies prohibiting retaliation. Managers and supervisors should know how to identify and address potential retaliation.
Protect Yourself From These Employee Lawsuits
In this article, we have discussed the most common employee lawsuits. To avoid them, employers should have clear policies in place. It should forbid discrimination and harassment. It also should provide procedures for reporting and investigating complaints.
Employees should be made aware of these policies and procedures and should feel comfortable coming forward with any concerns.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, then be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more!
