For every business that deals with different employee-related issues, hiring an experienced lawyer is important. With the changing corporate landscape, the relationship between employers and employees is going through some serious changes. Legal challenges regarding employee rights and employer responsibility usually end up in court. In fact, there are questions on employee characterization. If you own a business, you have to think about some things as you consider whether or not to hire one of the best employment lawyers knoxville tn. You can make mistakes that can lead to expensive employment lawsuits. These include the following:
Not Training Your Workforce
To protect your company from employment lawsuits, you must regularly train your employees and managers on some issues. Particularly, new employees should complete training on harassment prevention and anti-discrimination. Supervisors must get additional training on unique obligations to address workplace discrimination and harassment. Similarly, employees who are eligible for overtime must be trained in recording their time and they must record all times worked. Training on how to properly use personal electronic devices and social media for work purposes, requirements to report work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as the process to request disability-related accommodations are training tops to include.
Not Paying Attention to Worker Complaints
Usually, internal workplace disputes lead to unnecessary lawsuits if worker complaints to management are not given attention. Supervisors may ignore or hide complaints from employees from upper management as they fear that worker grievances do not reflect positively on them. But ignoring complaints from employees, especially if they highlight violations of employment law, can matters worse. A complainant may decide to seek help from other people like attorneys. To avoid this issue, employers should publicize a well-planned complaint process to inform employees about several avenues they can explore if they want to raise concerns. Also, businesses must penalize managers if they fail to follow up on complaints properly.
Not Staying Abreast of Employment Law
Every business owner must be aware of employment laws. But this awareness can quickly become stale. Such laws tend to change constantly. It’s important to keep up with such laws and adjust business practices to reflect new obligations. Working with a skilled employment attorney can make sure a company is always updated on employment law requirements. The best attorney in the city can represent employers in every aspect of employment law. They will start with a preventive approach, aiming to ensure legal compliance and make sure clients avoid employee disputes. If disputes arise, an attorney will find peaceful resolution paths that service the goals of a business.