What you need to know about fighting for your rights as an employee

Employees must stand up for their rights. Having an oppressive employer who is eager to take advantage of you can make it difficult. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t take it. When you advocate for yourself and your colleagues, there are some risks involved. However, that’s mainly for people who are willing to back down. The following tips can help you fight back if you feel that you or others are being treated unfairly.

Knowing your rights is important

Being aware of your rights in the workplace is crucial to avoiding being exploited. The majority of workers are aware of things such as minimum wage and workplace safety. Additionally, you must make sure that your health insurance is up to standard and that your social security is being directed appropriately. Make sure you educate yourself about your rights in order to be better prepared in case of trouble. Due to the fact that most employees don’t know their rights and the laws that govern them, there are a lot of companies willing to take advantage of them.

Employer provided benefits

Many employees are concerned about their wages and responsibilities when starting a new job. The thing that more employees need to be concerned about after or during the interview process are benefits provided by the employer. Make sure that you understand the benefits being offered to you and that they fit your needs. Everyone has different needs when it comes to benefits, whether it be flexible working hours, telecommuting or medical coverage. Understand everything being offered to you before you accept as it is often too late to negotiate after the fact.

Make sure you understand the responsibilities of your employer

When it comes to the workplace, it’s important to understand what responsibilities your employer has. The minimum wage, holidays, breaks, etc., all fall under this category. The one thing you should keep an eye on is whether your employer has been following their responsibilities for health and safety. It also includes maintaining a safe and non hostile workplace environment.

Push yourself beyond your comfort zone

The hostile environment at work can make it seem dangerous, even suicidal, to discuss important issues. You don’t have to be afraid if the law is on your side. It is common for workers to be afraid of demanding their employer provide compensation following an accident that was not their fault. A attorney can make it easier on you when filling an injury or workplace claim such as harassment, wrongful termination or discrimination. Retaliatory actions by disgruntled employers are prohibited.

If you feel you  have been wrongfully discharged for whatever reason by your employer it is wise to consult with an experienced employment attorney who knows the employment laws, they will make sure you have not been wrongfully discharged. 

Employees should be aware of and identify harassment in the workplace.

The act of harassment at work is one of the most serious offenses. You should take action when you are harassed, whether it is sexual harassment or discriminatory. It is unjustifiable to let harassment slide when you see it even happening to others, since it can cause employees to be afraid to speak out. As with your own rights, standing up for your colleagues is equally important. You are condoning the behavior if you don’t stand up to workplace harassment. Work in an environment that tolerates harassment can be unhealthy, toxic, and will ultimately affect employee morale and productivity. It’s hard to do what’s right when you fear your employer will take action against you.