In the complex labor and employment law world, the importance of workplace investigations cannot be overstated. Understanding why workplace investigations matter is fundamental for attorneys specializing in this field. These investigations have legal implications and impact the financial well-being of both employers and employees.
Title VII and Financial Implications
First and foremost, workplace investigations are pivotal because of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It is generally assumed to include caste, gender expression, and sexual orientation. It is the cornerstone of employment-based federal anti-discrimination laws and forms the basis for countless employment lawsuits. To be clear, Title VII mandates an investigation followed by a fix, rather than just a fix.
The financial ramifications of Title VII violations can be substantial. For employers, the financial penalties for noncompliance vary depending on the company’s size. Here’s a breakdown of penalties:
- For employers with 15-100 employees, the limit is $50,000.
- For employers with 101-200 employees, the limit is $100,000.
- For employers with 201-500 employees, the limit is $200,000.
- For employers with more than 500 employees, the limit is $300,000.