Risk Management Strategies to Reduce Your Liability

Business leaders are forced with making impossible decisions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not just decisions about keeping their doors open, but decisions ranging from hiring and firing employees, to compensation, and how to provide safe work conditions during these unprecedented times. Unbeknownst to many employers, these difficult decisions are putting their business at risk for an Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) claim. As employment-related lawsuits are on the rise for employers of all sizes, it is critical for employers to understand these exposures in order to manage the risk of an EPLI claim.

The most common employment practices-related lawsuits today include Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, Wrongful Termination, and Retaliation after an objection to unsafe work conditions. These claims can disrupt business, harm your reputation, and could ultimately have a significant financial impact. Here are some effective risk management strategies to reduce your company’s liability:

• Purchase an Employment Practices Liability Insurance Policy
• Verify your Employee Handbook outlines policies and terms of employment in clear and concise language. The handbook should cover, but not be limited to topics such as:
• Sexual Harassment
• Discrimination
• Disabled Employees and Accommodations
• Wrongful Termination
• Grievances
• Employee Discipline
• Performance Evaluations
• Pregnancy Leave
• Require employees to sign an acknowledgment for receipt of handbook
• Take note of any organizational changes created by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes should be reviewed to ensure they are compliant with employment law
• Document all evaluations, employee complaints, and situations that result in employee termination or discipline.
• Develop training for supervisors that include interview skills, performance reviews, and a “zero-tolerance” policy

To truly protect your organization, it is crucial to purchase Employment Practices Liability Insurance. EPLI provides the necessary resources to defend your company against a lawsuit, or to pay damages. As with all your insurance and risk-management needs, AssuredPartners is committed to assisting you in assessing your employment-related policies and helping you to develop best practices solutions. Contact our team of senior living professionals to learn more.