Sexual Harassment

Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policies

Although sexual harassment is one of the biggest issues facing employers these days it's not the only type of discrimination you need to be concerned about. Under the Civil Rights Act of 1991, employees who believe they were victims of job discrimination due to race, religion, sex or disability are entitled to a trial by jury.

While companies with fewer than 15 employees are generally exempt from federal discrimination laws, most states have their own laws prohibiting discrimination, which, in addition to protecting a wider range of categories of employees, include smaller businesses within their scope and procedural and evidentiary standards more favorable to claimants. Apart from the tendency of some juries to award plaintiffs disproportionately high monetary damages, litigation in this area of the law can be extremely costly, even if you prevail. One attorney estimates the average legal fees for defense in a sexual harassment suit, regardless of the verdict, are upwards of $75,000.

Concerns over the discrimination are more important than ever in today's increasingly diverse business world. If you run a small business, chances are you will be dealing with employees from many cultures, races and age groups. How can you keep things running harmoniously and protect your business from legal risk? The best policy is to make sure that everyone in your workplace understands what constitutes harassment and discrimination--and also understands the benefits of a diverse workplace

Big companies may spend thousands on diversity training, but there are plenty of low-cost options available:

• Learn as much as you can from books on the subject and from exposure to people who are different from you.
• Investigate video series on managing diversity. Many are available for rental or purchase.
• Consider public programs. A growing number of Urban League, chamber of commerce, Small Business Administration and community college seminars and courses are bringing business owners