The EEOC recently published a Small Business Resource Center to provide information for businesses on discrimination and harassment laws. The Resource Center includes information/guides, frequently asked questions, and a list of 10 quick tips for small businesses navigating employment discrimination laws.
The EEOC’s 10 Quick Tips for Small Businesses are as follows:
1. Look at the facts, not the faces. Race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history) should NOT be a factor when you hire, fire, promote, pay, train, discipline or make other work-related decisions
2. Provide reasonable accommodations (changes to the way things are normally done at work) to applicants or employees who need them for medical or religious reasons, if required by law.
3. Develop a strong anti-discrimination policy before discrimination becomes a problem.
4. Ensure that employees understand their rights and responsibilities at work.
5. Be alert to potential harassment or discrimination. Stop, address and prevent harassment and discrimination.
6. Ensure that employees are not punished ( i.e. retaliated against) for reporting discrimination, participating in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit, or opposing discrimination.
7. Post an EEO poster at your business.
8. Keep employment records as required by law.
9. File an EEO-1 Report if you have 100 or more employees. Some federal contractors with at least 50 employees must also file this report.
10. Contact the EEOC to request assistance, information or training.
Thatcher Law Firm regularly advises and represents small businesses in front of the EEOC. Please contact us for assistance with all of your small business and compliance needs.