Employment law protects employees and employers. For employees, it ensures their employer does not discriminate, harass or unlawfully terminate them. For businesses, employment laws ensure the employee fulfills the established contract.
If an employee feels as if they are discriminated against due to their gender, race or another characteristic, if they were sexually harassed, or feel as if they were unlawfully terminated, then the employee may benefit from consulting with an employment lawyer to find out what legal action they can take.
While employment lawyers fight for the employee, it is still important for workers to know their rights as they are established by laws such as the Fair Labors Standards Act (FLSA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The following is an overview of why employment law is important for both employers and employees.
Vital to Business Success
Employment laws were put into place to protect employees from unsafe or unhealthy work environments, discrimination from employers and unlawful compensation. It has also been beneficial for employers as well when the laws are properly followed.
Following employment laws is essential to running a successful business. The failure to understand and follow employment laws can lead to lawsuits from employees and settlement payments that can devastate a business. On the other hand, when the business ensures all laws are followed, it creates a more trusting and productive work environment.
Employment laws ensure employees are able to work in a fair and safe work environment and provides that they are fairly compensated. In return, workers often do their work with higher quality and enjoy each workday more.
Protects Both Employer and Employee
A common misconception is that employment laws hinder a business’ success as it restricts their ability to make critical decisions. However, employment laws are intended to protect both the employer and the employee.
Just as employers have a responsibility to hire qualified candidates without discrimination, provide a safe and fair work environment and fairly compensate employees, employers also have certain rights. Employees are expected to show up for work consistently, on time, and complete their tasks as established in the contract.
Employers have the right to terminate an employee if they feel they are not producing the desired impact on their business or if the business can no longer afford the employee. By understanding and following employment laws employers, as well as employees, remain protected.
Provide Economic Stability
Employment law exists to support the balance of employers and employees equally. It provides economic stability by giving employers the right to freely operate their business as long as they fairly treat employees and do not discriminate, harass, or expose employees to unsafe working conditions. Employment law is important for stabilizing an economy and increasing the quality of life within a country, state and locally by providing safe job opportunities.
Employment Laws Prevent Discrimination
One of the main purposes of employment laws is to ensure employees are protected from discrimination. Discrimination within the workplace can take place in many different forms. It could be as simple as demoting an employee due to age or gender.
Other forms of discrimination include those due to race, nationality and sexual orientation. Another common type of discrimination is wrongful termination due to an employee requiring maternity leave or after suffering a workplace injury or illness.
In addition to discrimination, employees are protected from harassment by employment laws. Like discrimination, harassment comes in many different forms, including sexual harassment.
If an employee feels as if they have been discriminated against in the workplace, then they should consider consulting with an employment lawyer. The employment lawyer can provide legal counsel on available action.
Speak to an Employment Law Attorney
Employment law is important for protecting both the employee and the employer. It is strongly encouraged for employees to fully understand their rights in the workplace as they are established under state and federal employment laws.
If you feel you have been discriminated against, harassed or wrongfully terminated, then you may have the right to legal action. We encourage you to reach out to our law office today to discuss with an employment law attorney about what legal actions you can take.
