Stray Remarks

The Supreme court is allowing employee's stray remarks to be entered into lawsuits from employees. There was a case where an older man was terminated for poor performance and sued his employer for age discrimination. He stated that employees had made fun of his age, called him a fuddy duddy, etc. The courts stated that these comments, even though from non-decision makers, held with other evidence were admissible in the case.

Obviously you cannot hear everything your staff members are saying. Trying to do so would create such an oppressive environment that it would become unproductive. However, in order to prevent these stray remarks management can foster a work place that is free of such comments. When comments that are inappropriate are overheard you need to speak to the employee, in private, and explain how the comment is inappropriate and doesn't fit your environment.

Truly having an open door policy where employees can come to their supervisor and discuss any issues is critical to preventing an atmosphere where employees speak negatively about their co-workers. Also, as a manager being strong in dealing with inappropriate behaviors, such as absenteeism, tardiness, incomplete work, missed deadlines, is critical to keeping a harmonious work envirnoment for your staff.

Our firm can help train your management staff on the critical skills to be a successful member of management.