Conflicts and misunderstandings between an employer and an employee are inevitable. Even the most committed employer who follows the guidelines of employment laws still runs the danger of having a lawsuit filed against him by a disgruntled employee.
A case that is related to employment law can be expensive and time-consuming. It can severely damage your company’s reputation and morale. However, you can do something to keep peace and happiness within your company. You can easily avoid having any legal conflicts with your employees by applying the following basic principles:
Always Treat Your Employees with Respect
Respect matters. Showing respect and care for your employees lets them know how much you value them. Treat your staff with respect, and they’ll do the same thing to management. When something wrong happens, they will talk about the problem with you instead of filing a lawsuit right away. Since you’ve been good to them, they will believe that you will listen and that you’ll take the necessary actions to address the issue.
Praise Your Employees in Public, But Criticize Them in Private
A good employer is professional in everything he does. He praises hardworking employees in front of everyone, but he talks to them in private when there’s a problem. Make it your habit to avoid legal conflicts with your employees. Praising your employees in public will motivate them to do better. Anything that can hurt your employees’ feelings should be discussed with confidentiality. As an employer, you must never break their trust, especially when it concerns their personal information.
Value Their Suggestions
You know your business more than anyone else since you’re the owner. However, your employees may be the first people to deal with suppliers, customers, and problems. The suggestions that you can get from them deserve attention, such as in terms of their safety, job, and general welfare. You must value those employees who always make suggestions and help your business succeed. You must consider their recommendations and implement the best suggestions you can get from your employees.
Avoid Discrimination
Discrimination is one of the major causes of low company and employee morale. It can also result in legal claims that have the potential to become a huge headache for the employer. Ensuring that discrimination doesn’t take place in your company is one of your major responsibilities as an employer.
Provide Regular Performance Appraisals
Performance appraisals must be carried out regularly inside a company — and on a one-to-one basis. Doing so lets your employees know what aspects they excel in. Appraisals also make them aware if they fall short of anticipations and give them a chance to improve.
Be Available for Them
Your employees should feel that you’re always there for them. So, you must give time, and talk to them especially when they are dissatisfied with some management decisions. Make your employees understand the management’s intentions and the reasons for your decisions.
Don’t Make Anything Personal
Reward or discipline your employees based on what they have done or what they have failed to do. Never base your decisions on personal attachments or grudges. Be objective and show your employees that you have made well thought out decisions to avoid legal conflicts. And of course, make sure to document employee-related issues — it’s the professional thing to do.
This is guest by Jon. He is fond of reading, writing & meeting people. He loves writing about Employment Lawyer Edinburgh. In a former life, Jon worked as a content specialist and has good knowledge about employment policies & law.