Here are some tips for preventing employee lawsuits. Employee relations are serious concerns and one that businesses of all sizes must pay attention to. When employees are disgruntled, it can cause problems throughout your company. If an employee files a lawsuit, it will certainly cost a significant amount of time and money to resolve. Not only will it have the potential to hurt the company financially, but it also can cause harm to the company’s image. Therefore, it is best to try to prevent employee lawsuits from occurring. There are quite a few businesses that are now hiring firms that specialize in being the go between for employees and employers. They have different issues that they handle. For example, Single Handed Consulting handles helping to get training for employees that were hurt on the job and cannot go back to their old job.

Create a Good Work Environment

One of the best things you can do to circumvent the possibility of an employee lawsuit is to create a good work environment. Happy employees generally do not file lawsuits. Make sure that you treat your employees properly and give them plenty of perks that will show them they are important. When possible, create a work culture that improves morale while still providing the end results your business requires.

Provide Training

When employees are properly trained, there will usually be a reduced incidence of mistakes. Fewer mistakes can make a safer and more professional atmosphere at work. Regular training sessions are ideal, because they reinforce the correct methods for accomplishing work tasks, making it less apt for an accident to occur. Training is also essential to teach managers and supervisors the right way to deal with employees.

Institute a Policy and Procedure Manual

Many employee problems and disputes can be averted with the implementation of a company policy and procedure manual. When policies are in place to deal with all the various work issues, fewer incidents will occur. A policy and procedure manual must be followed and updated in order to be effective.

Provide a Safe Environment

Safety is of utmost importance in any workplace. It is not only a health concern, but also a legal one. Most lawsuits by employees are due to being hurt while on the job. These issues can be eliminated with the institution of strict adherence to the safety requirements. Perform regular safety inspections in addition to those required by OSHA. Designate or employ someone to specifically focus on safety.

Ensure Diversity

Diversity training and compliance is something that should not be taken lightly in the workplace. Employees of all ranks must be aware of being politically correct at all times. Managers and employees must learn the proper ways to communicating, especially when disputes arise. It is necessary to make certain that all employees understand that discriminatory words and behaviors will not be tolerated in your business. Communicate the culture of the company throughout the organization from the top down.

If a problem arises and an employee lawsuit occurs, take immediate steps to mitigate damages. Discuss the situation with a qualified business lawyer to resolve the lawsuit as quickly as possible.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding Tips for Preventing Employee Lawsuits, or any other litigation matter, please feel free to contact Stockton D. Banfield at 480.461.5356, log on to udallshumway.com, or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.