Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Every so often, you read a story about allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination or misconduct in the office. Make no mistake: it could happen to you! Even if it is not the case, if you come close enough to, or there is even a perception of, sexual discrimination, it's bad news. You may survive a lawsuit, but the perception of you as a manager and your company by employees, the community and your clients can be irrevocable

Same deal with hostile work environment.

Take a lesson in P.R. While none of us have the money to hire a P.R. firm, you should have a friend there just in case something happens at your company where you need help when the press comes a-knockin'.

If you must terminate an employee involved in anything like that above and there is some sort of monetary exit package, make sure you get a release that will disallow them from speaking externally about the matter in any way.

Bad things do happen. The more prepared you are to manage the impact on you and your business the better.