Rebecca Bromet Published in Diversity Executive
"Time to Review Your Employment Practices"

Seyfarth Shaw Chicago partner Rebecca Bromet wrote an article in Diversity Executive published on May 10 urging employers to review their employment practices. She begins her article by referencing  the Supreme Court’s 2011 case,  Wal-Mart Stores Inc. v. Dukes, in which the plaintiffs presented their case on behalf of themselves and 1.6 million other past, present and future female Wal-Mart employees, claiming the company’s practice of subjective decision making resulted in a systemic problem: women being paid less and promoted at slower rates than men. Rebecca writes in her article that if the case had moved forward, the result would have been the largest employment class action in history.
 
In this timely article, Rebecca presents a three-pronged proactive plan for employers to protect themselves against these types of discrimination suits. She suggests that subjectivity is not necessarily a bad word, because subjective perceptions of qualifications and performance have always been part of American business. Nevertheless, she believes that these decisions should not be made in a vacuum and those vested with the authority of decision making should be guided by corporate policies.

Rebecca suggests that employers become proactive, regularly reviewing their Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies to ensure they comply with any new legal requirements, and training their employees on them as well. Finally, she urges employers to promote professionalism. " The values underlying professionalism create a unified workplace culture and can be an antidote for perceived unfairness," she writes. She concludes, "Diversity executives should consider initiatives that promote consistent and meaningful communication, workplace etiquette, and awareness of and adherence to company policies and procedures."

Click here to read the full article: http://www.diversity-executive.com/articles/view/a-stitch-in-time