Discrimination is, unfortunately, a major issue in the American workplace. Unfortunately, it is also the type of problem that tends to fester before it is addressed. However, HR managers, can play a vital role in preventing discrimination before it becomes a problem by making use of a few of the tips below.

Pay Attention to Training

The best way to prevent discrimination is to stop it early. Make sure that you address discrimination in your training and training materials, with plenty of time devoted to both defining the act and your company’s stance on employee discrimination. This will allow new employees to understand how important it is that your workplace remains discrimination-free and let them know exactly what happens if they don’t follow the company’s related requirements.

Update Your Policies

It’s vital that you ensure that your company’s discrimination policies are up-to-date. This might mean taking the matter up the chain in your department. In addition to that, though, there needs to be an official definition of discrimination at your workplace and a process for handling claims and punishments. Having the right policies in place shows everyone in your company that you take the matter seriously.

Stay Up-to-Date on the Laws

It’s also a good idea to make sure that you know the law when it comes to discrimination. Speaking with an attorney to stay up-to-date on things like gender discrimination law is one of the best ways to make sure that your company’s policies actually reflect the realities of the law. These conversations can help you to better understand the legal definitions of discrimination so that you can better identify those issues in your own company.

Keep Your Employees Updated

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you keep your employees in the loop. You should spend time addressing what discrimination is, what it can look like, and how it impacts your business at least once a year. Your employees should also be kept up to date about any changes to your discrimination policies as well as any new information that you learn when you’re doing your own research.

It’s always important to handle discrimination before it becomes a problem. Address it in training, in your work materials, and with your staff when possible. If your workplace takes it seriously, you’ll avoid many long-term problems and your business will have a better chance of becoming a significantly more inclusive place to work.