As an employer, you have a heavy load of responsibilities on your shoulders. You are in charge of your building and property. You need to take care of your clients. You have to build positive relationships with distributors, contractors, and other competitors in your field. Most importantly of all, you need a strong workforce to keep your business running. It has been said it takes a village to raise a child. The same is true for a successful company. You need to be selective in choosing the right people for your team. You have to build a positive relationship with your staff as well. How you treat the people who keep the inner workings of your company running will have a major impact on how productive you are. Utilize a quick guide to your workers’ rights in the US to make sure you have all the bases covered for your employees.
Understand All Workers Deserve Fundamental Rights
When people come to work for you, they have basic rights. You need to understand them from a moral and legal standpoint. Think about your own experiences over the years and your expectations. The golden rule applies in every situation, especially when you are the boss. You need to treat your staff the way you want to be treated. If you have respect for your employees, treat them fairly, and have an open door policy when it comes to communication, you will reap the rewards.
You Can’t Force Anyone to Work
When you hire an employee, all job responsibilities should be clearly laid out at that time. This should include daily hours and wages. You cannot require your employee to do a form of work that was not originally agreed upon at the worker’s hire date. You cannot force staff members to take on extra hours or threaten to withhold pay. You must ask staff members if they are willing to take on new responsibilities or longer hours. There can be no penalty if an employee refuses.
Your Employees Have a Right to be Part of a Union
You have no say if your employees choose to form or join a union. While your employees cannot meet during their regular work hours, they can gather together during a break, before the work day begins, or at the end of the work day. You must agree to meet with your employees’ union and representatives at a time that works for both of you on a regular basis. These meetings will allow you to work together to agree on fair wages, benefits, and to address any concerns in the workplace.
Discrimination is Not Tolerated in the Workplace
You cannot use any form of discrimination when it comes to hiring and firing practices. Your employees cannot discriminate against any members of your staff. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that cannot be tolerated. If anyone comes to you with a complaint concerning discrimination, you must document the report. The next step will be to take action to address the complaint.
You Must Create Safe Working Conditions
Your property and facilities must be well-maintained. If your employees work with equipment or machinery, you must follow all safety measures to protect your staff from injury. Ventilation and the temperature of your buildings should keep employees comfortable. You should have a break room, reasonable hours for a working day, vacation time, and adequate rest periods between a stretch of working days. If an employee is injured on the job, your state government insurance, such as L&I Washington, or you will be required to pay part of any lost wages. It is up to you to create a safe environment where your staff feels like they are welcome.
Go the extra mile with your employees to provide them with a place where they are happy to work. Satisfied employees will be more productive employees. You will also be more likely to draw a team of staff members who are loyal to your company. You want people who are dedicated to your company’s vision. Treat your employees well and you will see the difference in how successful you are. Your business can be the envy of others. It’s up to you.
