Tag: workplace harassment

Single Slur Requires Jury Trial on Hostile Work Environment Claim

On July 29, 2024, the California Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion in Bailey v. San Francisco Dist. Attorney Office, Cal., No. S265223 and held that the employee’s claims of racial harassment should proceed to jury trial, as well as that the trial court’s decision to dismiss the case in favor of the employer was in […]

EEOC’s Final Enforcement Guidance on Workplace Harassment Is Here

On April 29, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its final version of the Enforcement Guidance on Workplace Harassment to include developments “answering the call” of the #MeToo movement; the landmark Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia (which held the protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of […]

Preventing Potential Pregnancy and Parental Leave Pitfalls in the Workplace

Most employers are generally aware that federal and state laws protect employees from adverse employment actions because of pregnancy, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and, potentially, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employers should also be aware of and follow the Pregnant Workers […]

How To Prioritize Employee Satisfaction in Client-Facing Companies

With client-facing roles, there is an expectation for employees to put their best foot forward and represent the company well in each interaction. Often, this can result in employees feeling an extra sense of pressure at work as they balance client meetings and tackling other deliverables in their roles. In particularly busy times, this can […]

Most Common Employee Complaints to HR

Both HR professionals and managers are well aware of the tendency for employees to complain. And, while neither group enjoys dealing with complaints, it can’t be avoided. Some of the complaints could be avoided, though, by being aware of the most common frustrations facing employees and taking steps to head them off before complaints begin. […]

Case Study: Why Employers Need to Address Harassment Complaints Promptly

After a medical clinic employee reported harassment, she said she didn’t want her alleged harasser “approached about his behavior specifically directed towards [her].” As a result, the lower court determined the employer was excused from failing to address the conduct right away, especially since it did take prompt action once the harassment turned physical. On […]

Case Study: Can Employers Be Liable for Customers’ Behavior?

Typically, harassment claims involve allegations that an individual has been harassed by a coworker or supervisor. A recent case involving an Illinois casino demonstrates the importance of employers guarding against potential harassment by non-employees as well. Cornered at the Beer Tub Laura Wong worked as a beverage server at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois. […]

Study Finds Workplace Violence and Harassment Is a Global Problem

More than one in five people (almost 23%) in employment have experienced violence and harassment at work, whether physical, psychological, or sexual, according to a new joint analysis by the U.N.’s International Labour Organization (ILO), Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF), and Gallup. “Experiences of Violence and Harassment at Work: A global first survey” provides a sense of […]

6th Circuit Offers Tips on Managing Workplace Harassment, Discrimination Complaints

A new decision from the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Michigan employers) provides guidance for employers on the corrective actions necessary to respond to employee harassment allegations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 4 Separate Incidents Alleged Ronald Burns was employed as a maintenance technician by Berry Global, […]