Topics
Supervisor Training
Editor's Note: Invest in supervisor training to ensure legal compliance and minimize liability risks.
Overview: Employee training and development can be an invaluable tool in providing supervisors opportunities for growth, leading to a long, successful tenure at the organization. Supervisor training should include additional subjects to those included in the training of a typical employee.
Although many employers may be tempted to invest in ready-made "off-the-shelf" programs, supervisor training should focus on internal policies and procedures, as well as a wide spectrum of employment laws and regulations. Therefore, a more customized approach should be taken in fashioning supervisor training, with a view toward minimizing overall liability concerns. However, nonharassment and nonretaliation training should continue to be a priority for supervisors across the industry spectrum.
Trends: Supervisors and managers have been targeted by regulatory enforcement agencies in the course of workplace investigations, resulting in potential personal liability for these individuals. In addition, certain federal and state laws permit employees to file claims against their supervisors or managers in certain circumstances. Therefore, supervisors should receive adequate training to respond to employee complaints and avoid behaviors posing greater personal liability.
Marta Moakley, J.D., Legal Editor
Latest items in Supervisor Training
-
Safety Training - Checklist
An employer may use this checklist to ensure their safety training program is adequate. While safety training necessities will be different for every employer, there are some steps that all employers should consider.
-
Managing an Employee With a Disability - Supervisor Briefing
This Supervisor Briefing examines the law and best practices for how supervisors should handle managing an employee with a disability.
-
What Supervisors Need to Know About the ADA - Supervisor Briefing
This Supervisor Briefing examines the law and best practices for how supervisors should handle issues associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
-
What are some key aspects of workplace violence prevention training?
-
How to Remain Union-Free
Employers may implement a number of practices that will help create a positive work environment, therefore minimizing the possibility of union organizing. This How To details the measures employers can take to remain union-free.
-
Should discrimination and harassment training address transgender individuals, gender identity and gender expression?
-
How to Conduct a Training Needs Analysis
At the core of any effective training program is correctly identifying what or who needs to be trained. Employers can conduct a training needs analysis by following the steps in this How To.
-
Training and Development: California
In-depth review of the spectrum of California employment law requirements HR must follow with respect to training and development.
-
How to Deal With a Complaint of Sexual Orientation Discrimination
A number of states and other federal laws (e.g., for federal civil service employees) forbid sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace. Moreover, a number of employers as a matter of policy prohibit discrimination based on an employee's sexual orientation or gender identity. This How To provides employers with the steps to address a complaint of sexual orientation discrimination.
-
How to Charge an Employee With Disciplinary Action
Disciplined employees may file grievances, make complaints to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or bring claims in certain circumstances if the disciplinary process is not consistent among similarly situated employees. This How To guides employers on adhering to standardized discipline procedures and good documentation practices that will help the employer mount a defense if the disciplined employee later brings a complaint or lawsuit.
About this topic
HR guidance on the legal risks and benefits regarding supervisor training programs.