Employee Rights and Protected Characteristics
Employee rights and protected characteristics are an important part of the modern workplace. This chapter will explore the rights and protections that employees have in the workplace, as well as the characteristics that are protected from discrimination
Role of a supervisor
A supervisor plays an important role when it comes to employment laws in the workplace. They are responsible for ensuring that all employees understand and comply with employment laws, such as workplace safety regulations, anti-discrimination laws, and wage and hour laws. Supervisors must also be aware of changes to laws and regulations and ensure they are communicated to the staff.
Employees in the workplace have certain rights that should be respected and upheld. Here are some rights employees have in the workplace:
Employees have the right to receive a fair, living wage for the work they do. This includes wages that meet or exceed the minimum wage set by the state or federal government.
Employees have the right to a safe and healthy work environment, free from hazards and toxicity that could cause physical or psychological harm. This includes a duty of care to provide sufficient safety equipment, training, and resources, as well as a duty to investigate and address any potential dangers in the workplace.
Employees have the right to receive fair and equal treatment in the workplace, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. This means that all employees should have equal access to benefits, opportunities, and resources.
Examples of Protected Characteristics
Protected characteristics refer to certain personal traits that are protected by the law from discrimination. These characteristics can range from physical to cultural traits, and are protected in many countries around the world. Here are some examples:
Here are some myths to look out for:
- -
Race
- -
National Origin
- -
Religion
- -
Gender
- -
Age
- -
Disability
Become well-versed in employee rights and protected characteristics with training
With the continually evolving landscape of employee rights, it is more important than ever for employers to ensure their staff have access to the latest training and information. This training provides employees with the knowledge to understand their rights, as well as the protected characteristics which employers must adhere to.
Helping over 8,000+ organizations create a safer, more inclusive company culture.
EasyLlama’s online training course helps prepare employees to navigate employment laws for supervisors and managers. Navigate through employee rights, protected characteristics, best practices for hiring and handling harassment complaints, preventing retaliation, and providing reasonable accommodations. The course covers: