Happy employees don’t sue but maintaining a harmonious work environment can be difficult. Lawsuits can be prevented if you have a prevention program and a workplace complaints management partner.
What are the main reasons why an employee files a complaint?
- Discrimination: This occurs when an employee is treated differently due their national origin, skin color, religion, disability, etc.
- Sexual harassment: This one represents almost 30% of workplace complaints. In California, businesses with 5+ employees are legally required to train ALL of their supervisors/staff about Sexual Harassment Prevention.
- Whistleblower retaliation: Anyone who notices or suspects their employer of violating the law can report it to the proper authorities without fear of retaliation. It is illegal for an employer to treat an employee differently for becoming a whistleblower.
- Nepotism: A federal place of employment must allow everyone an equal opportunity to gain employment there. Nepotism is the act of choosing a friend, relative, or close family member over another candidate for employment, promotion, or bonuses solely due to relations.
- Wage Law Violations: Many lawsuits filed against employers are based on allegations that the employer violated a federal, state, or local wage law. These laws are collectively called wage and hour laws.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin
California employment laws require an employer to conduct a “prompt and thorough” investigation of any alleged conduct. Failing to conduct an investigation after a claim, leaves the employer exposed in subsequent legal action. Different types of complaints require different initial responses. Still, all employee complaints need to be taken seriously – regardless of whether it’s accusations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, ethical impropriety, or other claims. Every employer should have a licensed investigative resource on tap because when the need arises, you will not have a sufficient opportunity to conduct the research and selection process. At California Labor Solutions (CLS), we take HR consulting to the next level by offering affordable premium California licensed workplace investigations. We stand by your side, providing expert guidance at every step along the way – from the initial complaint through the investigation and corrective action process.
Why choose California Labor Solutions?
California Labor Solutions (CLS) is one of the only HR firms licensed* to conduct workplace investigations in California. We serve private businesses and public-sector organizations throughout the state. We have conducted hundreds of neutral, objective, and unbiased workplace investigations for employee complaints relating to allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and various types of employee misconduct with the utmost quality, detail, and efficiency.
*California Private Investigator License Number 26311.
Disclaimer:
Please note that the updates, advisories, and regulations we receive from the promulgating agency often contain ambiguities and/or are often amended, modified, or updated. This material/article/email does not contain any legal advice. The information and opinions expressed herein are based on our reasonable interpretation of the issuing agency’s publication at the time the opinion is expressed and is, therefore, subject to change based on further developments. The effect of the opinions expressed may be different based on your particular circumstances, and it is recommended that you not rely upon these general opinions prior to obtaining a consultation with your legal and/or financial advisors.