Rights at the workplace are important when it comes to working with your bosses and colleagues peacefully. These rights help employees feel safer and better which also improves productivity at the workplace. The common question is where to read these rules. Mostly, an employment handbook explains all of these rights in detail. Alternatively, you can get in touch with a Virginia employment attorney to give the employee an insight into these laws. Some of them are explained below:
Right to complain about the workplace environment
Every one of us spends most part of the day in the office premises and if the environment is not favorable, an employee can complain about it and ask for the change of seating area, working partners and even the duties assigned. However, it is strongly recommended to provide proof of these incidents if you are planning to escalate the matter. The date, time, place and description of the incident should properly be mentioned in the email or documents. Your superior should be able to offer a decent working environment.
Right to keep the copies of signed documents
We all tend to sign the documents such as NDA, offer letters and other agreements at the workplace without carefully reading every line. However, it is important to ask for copies of these signed agreements and papers. They may include your denial for working with clients, competitors and other vendors. Obtaining copies of them will help you if something goes against you.
Equality at the workplace
This is one of the most common issues at the workplace where the employees are not treated equally for an equal amount of work done, hours spent and on other bases. An employee should be paid equally based on these factors. If an employer fails to do so, he or she has the right to report the matter to a higher authority and even file a lawsuit.
Right to report sexual harassment or discrimination
The employment laws protect women from any sexual harassment at the workplace. It may include any remark, molestation and sexual favors from colleagues, bosses or anyone working in the company. She can bring it to the notice of a higher authority. Likewise, discrimination may be handled in the right manner as mentioned in the employment laws.
An employment lawyer is the best person to contact when it comes to taking the right steps if you want to report any incident at the workplace.