New EEOC best practices against caregiver discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released an online guide covering employer best practices for workers with caregiving responsibilities.

Along with advice on avoiding discrimination against caregivers the document also provides examples of best practices employers can adopt that go beyond federal non-discrimination requirements to reduce the chance of EEO violations.

This most recent guide supplements a 2007 document on unlawful disparate treatment of employees with caregiving responsibilities. The new EEOC guide outlines added suggestions for employers including suggested language for a written EEO policy addressing caregiver protection and best practices in recruitment, hiring, promotion and conditions and terms of employment.

Among the best practices explained in the new document, the EEOC encourages employers to:

• Train managers and supervisors on their legal responsibilities regarding employees with caregiving responsibilities under federal regulations including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Develop, distribute and enforce a strong EEO policy that clearly explains examples of discriminatory behavior against caregivers.
• Respond to caregiver discrimination complaints efficiently and effectively.
• Identify and remove barriers to re-entry for individuals who have taken leaves of absence due to caregiving responsibilities or other personal reasons.
• Encourage employees to request flexible work arrangements that allow them to balance work and personal responsibilities.
• Monitor compensation practices and performance appraisal systems for patterns of potential discrimination against caregivers.

Employee training is your first line of defense to prevent employment discrimination and minimize legal action. Protect your company from lawsuits by educating your employees on their responsibilities when it comes to discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Without the proper training, employees may be engaging in or condoning unacceptable behavior without even knowing it. The Harassment-Free Workplace -- Take Control is a comprehensive training program that teaches workers how to take responsibility for their own actions. Prevent harassment and protect your business with more tools from G.Neil.

New EEOC best practices against caregiver discrimination