A huge part of your life is spent at work. While this thought may fill you with pride or dread, it’s important to pay attention to what’s going on around you.
After all, it’s only fair that the law offers some protection, including clear workplace harassment laws that safeguard employees. In simple terms, workers’ rights are rules designed to ensure employees are treated fairly, safely, and with respect.
Workers’ rights cover everything from equal treatment and fair pay to protection from unfair treatment or even unfair job loss.
Unfortunately, some workplaces do not follow these rules. In this post, you will learn three common ways employee rights could be violated – and what they might look like in real life.
Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
When you think of workplace harassment, what do you imagine? Abuse that is loud and obvious, right? But this isn’t always the case.
Workplace harassment laws cover situations where harassment is subtle, sometimes showing as a pattern of small behaviors that add up over time. Harassment could include:
When this kind of behavior becomes ongoing, and it makes your job difficult to do, it might create what’s known as a hostile work environment.
No one should dream going to work because of the way they’re treated. Your employer has a responsibility to take complaints seriously and address problems promptly.
Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments
Most workers are entitled to reasonable adjustments that allow them to do their jobs effectively and safely under workplace harassment laws.
Such adjustments could be related to a disability, medical condition, pregnancy, or religious practices. For example, you might require assistive equipment, changes to job duties, or modified work hours.
Issues arise when employers refuse to make reasonable changes – and there is no valid reason for this. Not all requests will be granted, but employers are expected to make adjustments unless it will cause serious difficulty or expense. If your employer dismisses your request with zero discussion or explanation, your rights are at risk.
Understanding local laws, including employee rights protection in Montana or another area, helps you long-term. You will be able to recognize when an employer’s refusal crosses the legal line.
Unfair Dismissal or Redundancy
There’s nothing quite as stressful as losing a job. It is particularly upsetting if the job loss feels sudden or unjust. Unfair dismissal occurs if an employee is fired without a valid reason or the proper procedures haven’t been followed.
Being let go after raising a complaint, taking protected leave, or refusing to do something unsafe/illegal are all examples of this.
Redundancy is also mishandled at times. Employers are typically required to follow fair processes. They must also give proper notice and avoid targeting specific employees unfairly. Layoffs that appear rushed, selective, or unexplained are worth looking at more closely.
Workplace Harassment Laws: Protecting Your Right to Fair Treatment
To conclude, protecting yourself at work is a must. The best way to do this is by knowing your rights. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and take action. Just remember that a fair workplace isn’t a luxury anymore – it’s a right.
