Everyone has rights that protect them from unhealthy or undeserving treatment, which could otherwise affect a person mentally, physically, or psychologically. Principles such as respect, dignity, fairness, and equality are the basis for human rights. There are multiple laws that govern and protect employees while they fulfill their obligations at the workplace. While many know little about employee rights, it remains a significant element of human resource management at every workplace.
You are protected by the law whether employed at a private company or a public premise. How well you understand these legal clauses and stand for what you are entitled to determine your wins at your workplace. Protective laws exist for employees who work in a physical office or an online platform. Online firms such as grademiners writing service put rules and regulations in place to help safeguard their employees. Some employees can get selfish and inhuman; thus, knowing what you deserve and standing for it is crucial.
Here are the top 5 entitlements of employees:
1. Safe and Healthy Working Environment
Employees are entitled to a safe and healthy working environment. Their workplace should be free from health hazards, which could affect employees physically or mentally. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the working area is as safe as possible. Workplace safety includes hygiene, relevant training, availability of safety equipment such as first aid kits, and the right protocol.
Working environments vary depending on the nature of work. Responsible employers assess the working environment for any risks and ensure adequate preparation in case of any possible danger. For example, companies that handle chemicals in one way or another must train their employees on the right way to handle the chemicals to avoid any danger to their health. Machinery in good condition, protective clothing, and washing facilities are examples of the provisions at a workplace as deemed necessary.
2. Fair Compensation
Employees deserve a fair pay equal to their value of input at their work place. While employers might not pay their workers the same salary, they should have a straightforward criterion that acknowledges and compensates one’s skills and qualifications. If two social workers in the same company have different academic qualifications, their salaries will differ. There is a minimum wage scale for each job, and every employer needs to know the details, which may vary from one country to the other. Check that your salary is within the correct margin, and that it increases as per agreement in your contract.
Also, fair compensation entails overtime working pay, which should be clear at the beginning of one’s employment. Never hesitate to ask questions concerning your salary or increment when you know you deserve it.
3. Leave Rights
There are times when an employee needs leave days to attend to a personal issue. Employees have no reason to deny requests in line with the contract provisions. Most companies acknowledge reasons such as childbirth, child adoption, close family member illness, or employee illness as deserving leave from work.
The leave duration varies from company to company in different countries. It is good to know such information to know when to request leave. You are entitled to your full or half pay, depending on the nature of the leave. Other times, the company can grant an unpaid leave for a given duration.
4. Non-Discrimination
Human resource managers and employers cannot treat their workers unfairly or discriminatively based on factors such as religion, gender, or even sexual orientation. All employees deserve equal consideration regarding promotions that come up from time to time. Also, employee termination is also an exercise to be conducted with utmost impartiality. If qualification is all that a specific position requires, it should be the only basis of judgment or selection. It is good to be alert to note discrimination and stand up for yourself and even other victimized colleagues.
5. Join or Establish a Program or Union
Most employers lack the courage to stand up for themselves whenever someone violates their rights in one way or another. Thus, they can join a union or create one for their own good. A union brings people with the same professional standing to help one another negotiate their pay, benefits, or working conditions. When they share their opinions as a union, the employer can listen to and acknowledge them, unlike when it is an individual endeavor.
In case of violation of your rights as an employee, you can prepare for a win and fair treatment by doing the following:
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Keep proper records of events: Sometimes, you need evidence to convince someone about what occurred during a violation at work. So, keeping proper records of anything that happens to you is important. If it is sexual harassment or any unfair treatment, record or take a video. It will make your argument real. Furthermore, if things take a legal direction, it becomes easier for you to seek justice.
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Talk to your employer or the rightful authority: You can talk to your employer concerning a violation. Some employers are considerate and need a dialogue to change things in your favor. Express yourself respectfully, and see how they respond to your issue. When the human resource officer can’t help you, you have your employer to talk to.
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Seek legal advice: When you have tried it alone and still have no aid, you can opt for agencies specializing in employee advocacy. They can stand up for you in case you fear retaliation. It could be a government or a private agency that understands employee rights, and they will come through for you to help you get the treatment or compensation you deserve.
Many workers find themselves in the hands of cruel and insensitive employers who made their working experience stressful. Probably, they did not understand their rights, or they did not stand up for what they deserved. It is crucial to learn about your rights as an employee. Upon recruitment, learn what your contract entails and the legalities involved. Be careful to demand fair compensation, equity, a deserved leave, freedom to join a union, and safety at the workplace.
