Most employees work hard to avoid making mistakes on the job. One of the biggest mistakes they make, though, is not properly managing their employee rights in their workplace.
Employee rights are fundamental to a successful company. While most organizations respect their workers’ rights, employees are still responsible for knowing their rights and exercising them appropriately. Many workers in California are unaware of their rights though, which puts them at risk of being taken advantage of in the workplace.
3 Mistakes Workers Make When It Comes to Their Rights in the Workplace
1. Not Knowing Their Rights
Workers’ rights can vary depending on where they live, the type of job, and the size of their company.
These rights may include:
- Fair compensation
- Vacation time, sick leave
- A safe work environment
- Privacy for your personal matters
- Freedom from workplace discrimination on the grounds of your age, gender, race, national origin, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability or religion
- Freedom from workplace discrimination based on marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other characteristics
- Legally-specified pay that is at least minimum wage, pays overtime for any hours you work more than 40 hours a week or (in some places) more than 8 hours a day
- A workplace environment free from harassment
- Time off work to attend to your illness or to take care of a family member
- Time off following the birth of a child
2. Not Reporting Issues To Supervisors
Whether out of fear or not having the proper routes to submit complaints, many workers never exercise their rights in the workplace.
While it can be unnerving to talk with your supervisors about your rights, it is important to report issues to either managers or the Human Resources department and do it in writing! It is also essential that you document conversations when requesting sick time, medical or military leaves of absence, etc.
3. Keeping Poor Records
Documenting your legal concerns is one of the most important things you can do, as your records may be the best evidence that your employer infringed upon your rights. Write down the details of the infringement, such as the date, specifics of the incidents, and people involved. Keeping a written history may help you show that you tried to exercise your rights legally and in an official capacity. If you communicated anything to the company’s managers, it’s strongly recommended to put it in writing. If a conversation occurred verbally, follow up with something in writing such as an email to text message.
Do You Have Questions About Your Rights On The Job In California? Contact Your Employment Attorneys At D.Law!
Workers have certain rights in California. If your rights in the workplace have been violated under California law, contact or call D.Law. Our employment law firm can help you exercise your rights as a worker in the Bay Area, San Diego, Fresno, Los Angeles, and other California cities.
