One of the most confusing aspects of managing employees for small businesses is knowing what legal responsibilities they must meet under equal employment opportunity laws. There are many myths and misperceptions about what you must and must not do, and how onorous it is to comply with these laws. Here are the answers to some of the most freqently answered questions that the EEOC receives.
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What laws does the EEOC enforce and do they apply to my business? Answer
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How do I determine if a business of my size is covered by the EEO laws? Answer
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Who may file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC? Answer
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When can a charge of discrimination be filed? Answer
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Can a small business resolve a charge without undergoing an investigation or facing a lawsuit? Answer
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What employment records must I keep? Answer
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What reports must small employers file with EEOC? Answer
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How will I know if a charge of discrimination has been filed against my company? Answer
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What can I expect to happen in an EEOC investigation? Answer
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What records am I required to keep if I receive an EEOC charge? Answer
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What happens if a charge is dismissed by the EEOC? Answer
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What does the EEOC do if it determines that a violation of the law has occurred? Answer
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If my company is found to have violated the law, what could happen? Answer
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What should I do to prevent retaliation against and preserve relationships with current employee charging parties? Answer
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What are Fair Employment Practices Agencies and how do they relate to the EEOC? Answer
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What is the Immigration Reform and Control Act and must my business comply with it? Answer
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What about affirmative action? Answer
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Where can I find information about the Family and Medical Leave Act? Answer
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What is the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act? Answer
To learn more about your rights and responsibilities under federal equal employment opportunity laws, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC offers specific information for small businesses, including topic-specific guidelines and relevant contacts at the state and local level. Compliance assistance can be obtained at: www.eeoc.gov/employers/smallbusinesses.html
