Four Tips on How to Become a More than Just a California Employer

There are certain ways a California can become a better and more just boss. Day in day out, there are news stories about employment lawsuits filed due to wide array of workplace disputes, such as employment discrimination, accidents in the workplace, and the list goes on.

How to Become a Better Employer

1. Never let your employees work in a hazardous or life-threatening environment.

Under Occupational Safety and Hazard Act (OSH Act), employers doing business in California are legally required to provide their workers with safe workplace in order to protect everyone’s welfare.

2. Respect the employment rights of disabled applicants and employees.

There are at least two laws prohibiting employers from practicing disability discrimination in the workplace, these are:

·         Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

Under the said laws, employment discrimination towards disabled people is prohibited. If you really want to become a more reasonable and law-abiding employer, then you would need to respect the rights of applicants and employees with disabling condition.

3. Do not discriminate against an employee based on his national origin and/or citizenship status. Pursuant to the following laws, national origin and citizenship status discrimination is prohibited:

·         Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act

·         Immigration and Nationality ACT (INA)

·         FEHA

Employers are implored not be biased on people due to their national origin or citizenship status. Non-complying employers may face legal charges by Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

4. Do not discriminate against people based on their gender expression.

Starting January 1, 2012, employers in California are not allowed to discriminate against employees and applicants based on their gender identity or gender expression. Pursuant to AB 887 or Gender Nondiscrimination Act, employers need to respect the employment rights of homosexuals, bisexuals, and transsexuals.