Responding to EEOC Discrimination Charges - What’s Your Business Case?

Overview:

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported a staggering 73,485 discrimination cases in Fiscal Year 2022. This alarming figure breaks down to an average of over 367 cases each workday, reflecting a critical and pressing concern for businesses nationwide. It's no longer a matter of if, but when your organization will be required to address such a charge. This webinar is a preemptive strike in your preparation arsenal, offering detailed guidance for when a discrimination charge lands on your desk.

Understanding the emotional and procedural journey from the initial shock of a discrimination charge to the final stages of resolution is vital. Charges of discrimination are an inherent business risk, and how you respond can set the precedent for future proceedings. Our session aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this complex process with confidence, ensuring that your response is not just timely but also legally sound and strategically astute.

Areas covered in this session:

• A review of Discrimination Charges Filed with the EEOC
• A review of a discrimination charge
• How to read between the lines of a discrimination charge
• Should we hire an attorney?
• What is “Non-binding” Mediation and should we accept mediation
• How to outline and prepare your case
• What documentation you need
• Is it beneficial to obtain statements from witnesses or managers
• The importance of having work standards
• How to handle requests for additional information
• Decisions from the EEOC
• How to Respond if the EEOC Finds Cause That Your Company is Guilty of Discrimination

Why you should attend?

The landscape of employment discrimination litigation is rapidly evolving, with the EEOC filing 143 new lawsuits in FY 2023—a significant increase of over 50% from the previous year. This surge underscores a heightened focus on systemic discrimination, with the EEOC doubling its litigation efforts in this area compared to the past three years​​​​. Additionally, the Commission has secured over $513.7 million for victims of discrimination, highlighting the financial implications and increased liability risks for businesses​​. As the legal and regulatory environment tightens, understanding the nuances of these changes becomes critical for organizations nationwide.

This webinar will arm you with the expertise to manage and respond to discrimination allegations proactively. You will gain insights into the preparation and response process, evaluate mediation's merits, and understand how to deal with EEOC's decisions. We aim to empower participants to shift from a reactive to a proactive stance, thereby minimizing the stress and uncertainty that discrimination charges can bring.

Who should attend?

• HR professionals overseeing employee relations and compliance.
• Business leaders, including CEOs and other C-suite executives.
• In-house counsel specializing in employment law.
• Managers and supervisors involved in team management.
• Compliance and organizational development professionals across various industries.
• Risk managers and consultants focused on compliance and employee grievance resolution.
• Any professional responsible for addressing federal compliance and employee grievances.