Can a company sue an employee for favoritism?
For example, if some employees receive better assignments or other job benefits because they put up with a manager’s harassment, the other employees may still have a legal claim against the company.
When is favoritism in the workplace is illegal?
If workplace favoritism is based on protected characteristics, then it is illegal discrimination. For example, if a manager promotes only men or gives the best assignments and shifts to employees who share his religious beliefs, that would be discrimination.
Is it illegal for a manager to favor an employee?
On the other hand, favoritism that’s based on other factors may not be discriminatory, even if it’s a sign of bad management. For example, if a manager favors employees who are her college buddies, who are fans of the same baseball team, or who love the same band, that is not illegal discrimination.
How to identify and combat favoritism at work?
The boss taking lunch with or hanging out with one employee outside of work One employee receiving more opportunities, such as accompanying the boss to conferences, off-site client meetings, or trainings The boss repeatedly excusing unproductive or distracting behavior for just one particular employee
Is it illegal to give an employee favoritism?
Favoritism may be illegal, if it takes the form of discrimination, harassment, or other mistreatment that violates the law.
What happens when a manager shows favoritism to an employee?
Nothing good happens when a manager shows favoritism towards an employee. The non-favored employees begin to feel that their accomplishments are not recognized. They get discouraged at the lack of correlation between hard work and success. Gradually, people start to disengage from their work.
The boss taking lunch with or hanging out with one employee outside of work One employee receiving more opportunities, such as accompanying the boss to conferences, off-site client meetings, or trainings The boss repeatedly excusing unproductive or distracting behavior for just one particular employee
Is it illegal to disfavor an employee at work?
Similarly, if a manager disfavors an employee (for example, by cutting back her hours, assigning her to the graveyard shift, or taking away prestigious clients) after she complains of harassment, that would also be illegal retaliation. For more information, see Can I Sue for Employee Favoritism?