DOS AND DON’TS: My Girlfriends Boss Told Her to Break Up with Me

Jill Zwagerman Tackles Employment Discrimination with Humor and Insight

GRL Raw takes Dos and Don’ts to an entirely new level this season by featuring guest appearances from local lawyers with unique expertise on the topics at hand. We kick off the season with Jill Zwagerman, who specializes in Employment Discrimination cases—think Sexual Harassment, for instance. We sit Jill down, serve her a few drinks, and challenge her with some of the most bizarre and publicly asked legal questions related to her field. Consequently, it is awesome, hilarious, and incredibly informative. Indeed, this season brings a fresh edge to Dos and Don’ts!

Understanding Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. Specifically, this discrimination can manifest in various ways, including biased hiring practices, unequal pay, or unfair dismissal. Therefore, understanding these forms of discrimination is crucial for both employees and employers. It helps ensure a fair and inclusive workplace. For a comprehensive overview of employment discrimination laws and protections, visit EEOC’s official site.

Legal Protections and Remedies

Federal and state laws provide crucial legal protections against employment discrimination, ensuring that affected individuals have clear avenues for redress. Specifically, the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act are key statutes that both prohibit discrimination and outline specific remedies. Consequently, employees who believe they have been discriminated against can file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and seek legal remedies, including compensation and reinstatement. For further details on these legal protections and processes, check out FindLaw’s guide.

Best Practices for Employers

Employers play a critical role in preventing and addressing employment discrimination through proactive measures. Implementing robust anti-discrimination policies, providing regular training for staff, and establishing clear procedures for reporting and addressing complaints are essential steps. Additionally, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace can help mitigate the risk of discrimination and enhance employee satisfaction. By adopting these best practices, employers can create a fair and equitable work environment. For strategies on improving workplace practices, visit Society for Human Resource Management.