CODAC Management Manual

A supervisor should take care to be aware of legal requirements and to do everything possible to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Being the subject of a lawsuit does not only carry with it economic liability, but, depending on the severity of the allegations, a lawsuit may also tarnish a supervisor's reputation and disrupt personal relationships. COSTS OF NONCOMPLIANCE The costs for a workplace legal claim are not measured simply in the amount of the court's damages award or in the amount of the attorney's legal fees and costs. Other workplace costs include: • Devoting internal resources to defend the claim; • Pulling together documents; • Identifying witnesses and allowing time for witness interviews; • Providing depositions or trial testimony; and • Loss of productive worktime on other projects in order to attend to the defense of a claim. Because a supervisor will have to manage others' time and projects in the event of an external investigation or a court claim, it is in the supervisor's interest to minimize the potential for claims in the first place. EEO Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) training must enforce internal policies and procedures. A supervisor should emphasize to direct reports and other employees that the organization values fairness in the workplace and will not tolerate instances of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying. A supervisor should be aware of federal laws that protect certain traits and characteristics, including: • Race • Sexual orientation • Sex, including pregnancy • Gender identity • National origin or ethnicity • Age over 40 DIVERSITY AND RESPECT A diverse workforce can allow for a free exchange of ideas. An inclusive environment can spark creativity, collaboration, spontaneity, and innovation, and may lead to a perception of the workplace by employees as one that is fair and hospitable. Workplace diversity encompasses various distinctions, including but not limited to: • Race; • National origin; • Sex; • Gender Identity • Sexual Orientation • Geography; • Generational identity • Locally protected traits. A supervisor should encourage interaction among diverse members of the organizations and foster respect for different views within the workplace. • Disability (Physical or mental) • Uniformed Service Member • Genetic Information • Religion • Color • Veteran Status • Any other protected by Federal, State or Local law

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