Are you doing enough to protect your business from employment discrimination claims? The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that discrimination claims filed last year rose to their highest level in the agency’s history. Charges based on age and retaliation saw large annual increases according to the EEOC, while allegations based on race, sex, and retaliation showed as the most frequently filed charges. The EEOC cited economic conditions as a possible factor.
Could jewelers be affected? You bet! And according to Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, even one claim could seriously undermine your business.
Jewelers Mutual shares tips to help you protect your business from discrimination claims:
- Establish Clear Policies: You need to have policies in place regarding hiring, working conditions and terminations.
- Invest in Liability Insurance: In a weak economy, Jewelers Mutual says that it is vital for business owners to have Employment practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), which covers claims resulting from employment-related offenses including work-related harassment, wrongful termination and more.
- Establish an Anti-Discrimination Policy: You must base employment decisions on relevant job characteristics and avoid discriminating on the basis of characteristics like sex, race, religion or age. Make yourself familiar with both state and national laws on workplace discrimination and develop a comprehensive policy to ensure that you and your staff understand, and have signed, the policy.
Take The Tip:
Learn more about how you can protect your business at Jewelers Mutual’s website, www.jewelersmutual.com.
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