The assortment of workplace hazards entrepreneurs face in the business environment include the litigation-happy, and companies need to take steps to train staffers against possible harassment activities.
Complimenting someone on a nice outfit could be more than just a simple comment. It could be the start of a lengthy lawsuit based on actions contributing to a hostile work environment, including sexual harassment.
Woops.
Small to medium sized businesses likely will not employ dedicated human resources staff as do bigger companies. If they do, the focus will more likely be on payroll and benefits management rather than employee training beyond whatever material an employee receives on being hired.
Like so many services available online, human resources training can be found on the Internet. One website called Workplace Answers offers web-based courses on topics like hiring and firing, and workplace diversity.
They recently updated their Unlawful Harassment Prevention course with more modern scenarios that could happen in the workplace. The “nice outfit” topic, as well as the potential for abusive situations emanating from sexual or age-related discussions, become part of the training.
The company said in a statement that the updated course “provides organizations with the ability to establish an affirmative defense by ensuring training content reflects the latest state and federal requirements and changes to case law.”
“Workplace Answers is not afraid to deal with the more gray areas of harassment,” said Lynn Lieber, Esq., CEO of Workplace Answers. “Our mission to provide training that reflects what is happening in the workplace, and that includes addressing issues such as transexuality, plastic surgery, or workplace discussions about reality TV shows.”
Lawsuits and firings have taken place based on emailing profane jokes and many other situations. Although a small close-knit business, like a niche retailer online, may not feel those suits could happen to them, the reality is they could happen anywhere. A cover-your-assets training option like Workplace Answers may be a worthwhile investment.
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David Utter is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
