EffortlessHR

Header Right

Contact Us: +1.520.546.3947 or Email
Try It Free Log In

Main navigation

  • Pricing
  • Customers
  • Partners
    • White Label HR Software
  • Solutions
    • Free Setup Assistance
    • Employee Handbook Builder
    • Employee Handbook Reviews
    • Business Insurance
    • Staffing Solutions
  • College Instructors
    • Training Curriculum
    • EffortlessHR Trial for Students
    • Free Setup Assistance
  • About Us
    • Security Info
    • Blog

Easy to use, comprehensive Online HR Software for small organizations

Try it Free
Employee Handbook Review Service
FREE SETUP - HRIS PROJECT
Business Insurance

All-in-one web-based employee management

A complete cloud-based HR platform. Employee portal, PTO, time clock, applicant tracking, benefits, file storage, and more.
Home>Management>First Line Supervisors – the “Achilles’ heel” in Discrimination Cases

First Line Supervisors – the “Achilles’ heel” in Discrimination Cases

Posted on July 31, 2008 by Cathy Baniewicz

Having the correct human resources policies and procedures in place is not sufficient to prevent findings of unlawful discrimination if your supervisors are not properly trained. Often someone is promoted into supervision without any experience managing people. First line supervisors are considered to be “management” and as such are responsible for knowing and following the myriad employment laws.

“Preventative maintenance” is always cheaper in the long run.

The Number One Rule: Don’t’ promote someone to supervision solely because they are a good worker. Make certain the individual has the skills and abilities to become a good supervisor. If the employee has no management background, do skills assessments to help you determine if the person has what it takes to be an effective member of your management team.

Make certain the new supervisor receives the necessary training:

Review all policies and procedures in detail, making sure the new supervisor understands the proper disciplinary procedures for violations of company policy.

Supervisors should be familiar with federal and state employment laws. There are numerous training courses, seminars, etc. on employment law for new supervisors. Many courses are offered online, thereby saving travel expense. Remember, ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense.

All personnel should receive sexual harassment training. This is a growing area of litigation and proactive measures to train the workforce are strongly recommended by the Equal Opportunity Commission.

If supervisors are involved in recruiting, make certain they understand the various “legal” factors involved in the hiring process, i.e. candidate screening, appropriate interview questions, employee selection based on being the most qualified for the position.

Red Flags!

Supervisors who play “favorites” and do not apply your policies and practices consistently. Someone who is constantly bending the rules puts the company in a vulnerable position regarding discrimination claims.

Supervisors who keep their own ‘files”. Matters regarding performance problems should be in the employee’s personnel file. All supervisory files are subject to subpoena in discrimination cases, so be certain you know what information a supervisor is keeping.

Supervisors who view training in employment laws, etc. as a “waste of time”. Countless discrimination suits have been lost because of the inappropriate actions of first-line supervision.

Supervisors who “wing it” and don’t ask questions. Communicate that employee relation issues are important, and encourage supervisors to be upfront if they need help or training. No one has all the answers.

Hold your supervisors accountable! If you have a performance appraisal program, be certain that compliance with all employment laws is a factor in the supervisor’s evaluation.

Related Posts

  • Age Discrimination Lawsuits Carry Great Financial Penalties
  • New Justice Department Guidelines - Discrimination during Employment Verification

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe

Enjoy our blog? Enter your email address to be the first to receive updates as we post:

Categories

  • Blogging
  • Business Planning
  • Compensation
  • Customer Service
  • Emergency Planning
  • Employee Hiring
  • Employee Issues
  • Employee Policies
  • HR
  • Jobs
  • Labor Laws
  • Lead Articles
  • Legal Issues
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Press
  • Remote working
  • Scheduling
  • Technology
  • Training & Development
  • Uncategorized
  • Webinars

Friends

  • Bompus

Footer

Pages

  • Pricing
  • Customers
  • Partners
    • White Label HR Software
  • Solutions
    • Free Setup Assistance
    • Employee Handbook Builder
    • Employee Handbook Reviews
    • Business Insurance
    • Staffing Solutions
  • College Instructors
    • Training Curriculum
    • EffortlessHR Trial for Students
    • Free Setup Assistance
  • About Us
    • Security Info
    • Blog

News & Updates

Now Available: EffortlessHR and QuickBooks Integration

May 6, 2024

Are You Ready? Is Your Business Prepared?

May 24, 2023

Good Coordination is Very Important to Get Customer Attraction

February 19, 2023

Contact Us

  • Email: Contact Us
  • Call: +1.520.546.3947

Stay Connected

  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

© 2025 EffortlessHR. All Rights Reserved.            Privacy Policy