Both employers and employees are protected by the law so that their rights remain intact and so that nobody is allowed to take advantage of the rights that protect them in the United States. If you are an employer in New York and are having some issue with an employee, it is wise to consult an employment attorney who can educate you about the laws that are in effect.
It is important to be aware of the fact that laws regarding employment change frequently so staying abreast of the changes is paramount to your success. It is important to keep in mind that the labor and employment laws protect both employers and employees. As an employer, you have the right to expect your employees to give the job everything they can, to come to work on time and to respect all of the procedures and policies that are a part of that particular business.
The importance of the employee handbook
Many businesses have employee handbooks, which document the rules and regulations of that particular business as well as clearly stating what is expected and what is not allowed. The handbook is designed to protect the employers and the employees and the main areas that are covered in the employee handbook are hiring, employment, discipline and termination.
The employer must make sure that the policies of the business (as stated in the handbook) are compliant with federal, state and local laws. It is the responsibility of the employer to give the handbook to the employee in whatever form they choose. The employees are often required to sign an acknowledgement that they have read and agree with what is written in the employee handbook.
Employers protect employees
As an employer, you have a responsibility to protect your employees. At the same time, if there is something that is done against you as the employer, you also have a responsibility to protect you and your business. Employees should be compensated fairly and they should be given benefits that were agreed upon. Additionally, you are responsible for protecting them against discrimination. Not only is that true from an ethical perspective but it is also true from a legal perspective.
According to federal law, employers must protect their employees from discrimination if they fall under the following protected categories: age, creed, color, race, gender, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, citizen status, mental or physical disability, military status and genetic information. These same protections fall under the jurisdiction of New York state law.
Valuable advice from a New York employment attorney
If you are an employer who is experiencing issues with an employee, consulting a knowledgeable employment attorney may help you to handle the situation in the most productive, successful way possible. Your attorney can offer real-world guidance that can anticipate and tackle the characteristics and risks that often occur in the workplace. Having the strong guidance of your attorney may really positively affect the way your situation turns out.