Discussion Post Response
Respond to the discussion post below discussing on transforming discrimination, ways to prevent discrimination and ways to prevent a toxic work environment.
Discussion Post
A great example of how EEO laws are transforming discrimination is AMI’s newest initiative. The AMI is working on that issue right now in an effort to get rid of discrimination based on facial hair. (Snell et al., 2015) The book states that many companies aren’t intentionally going against discrimination, but they are not caught up on all the laws, so they need to take these issues more seriously and be up to date on their information. EEO has worked to make laws that prevent discrimination against protected classes. (Snell et al., 2015) There are audit questions that can be sent to a company to see if discrimination or harassment is happening. These violations can have fines. There are posters that can be placed in the work center so that the word gets out to the workers. (Snell et al., 2015) Companies should have everyone in their leadership trained to understand these laws and the rights of their employees. The book states that leadership is key in creating a climate in which “the principles of dignity, respect, and the acceptance of a diverse workforce are the norm and therefore expected” is key to preventing discrimination (Snell et al., 2015)
An article that I read discussed 3 ways to prevent discrimination in the work center. “The first was to develop a written policy that defines rules and procedures. Second Establish a consistent process for resolving discrimination issues. Finally, third Continually educate employees on their role in preventing discrimination” (Boyd, 2022).
Another article I read discussed the ways to prevent a toxic work environment. The one that stuck with me the most is leading by example. (TRUiC, 2022) I relate most to this in the military where you hear what to do and what not to do but see leadership doing the opposite. I have been in for 20 years now and I have seen these changes happen over the years. When I first came in the environment was horrible and for the most part, it is getting increasingly better. Leaders are where it starts and must be held accountable for their people. That means getting out and listening, leaving posters, educating, doing surveys, and just having that open door policy so that anyone can come to talk to you without reprisal.
As I stated above I think the better strategy than the EEO laws is leading by example and doing those things that leaders should do. In the military, we have zero tolerance and that will deter people from breaking it because they can get punished. When someone does break it makes them the example of what not to do so that others see that leadership isn’t joking. Having good practices and holding everyone to the standard is the best way to go.
