How important is it for employers and business owners to use a trauma-informed, emotionally intelligent approach when addressing their employee conflicts, or investigating / responding to, employees’ allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace?
Join me and my guests, fellow attorneys Margaret Gandy and Rena Paul of Alcalaw LLP, where we will be discussing what a trauma-informed approach to employment matters looks like, as well as why it is more successful than using only a litigation risk or liability analysis to guide an employer’s actions.
Don’t miss this compelling discussion about a trauma-informed approach to HR Trainings, conducting sensitive workplace investigations, and acknowledging how Covid-19’s collective trauma may be a factor to consider in addressing sexual misconduct!
About Alcalaw:
Website
By Segment
0:18 – 15:44 – Tonight’s topic is all about sexual misconduct along with other hazards that can occur in the workplace and how to combat them. This is a problem that has been occurring too much. The guests are two attorneys named Margaret Gandy and Rena Paul who are the co-founders of Alcalaw LLP. The two also work as prosecutors. One of their main goals is to help people of all occupations and backgrounds. They always make sure to approach each case individually. Not every situation should be handled the same way. In addition, everyone agrees that one of an attorney’s goals should be to really understand the client and gain trust so that they do not feel closed off.
18:02 – 30:20 – The lawyer will be best served if they have the most information at bay. It is important for a client to tell them everything so that they can make an informed decision. Everyone has their own level of difficulty or trauma which is another reason why each case must be handled customly and with care. At times, others can see the trauma based on how someone reacts. Based on their experience, someone may also be able to tell the level of trauma and if it is extreme. A good tip with a team in the workplace is to have someone who is trauma informed if a crisis were to occur.
32:52 – 43:49 – Many people who go through the process just want to have their trauma and experience heard but that is not always the case. Sometimes someone may feel pressured or uneasy which leads to a less productive outcome. At LLC their main goals are to gain as much information as possible, then customize solutions that will ensure that the crisis will not occur again. It is key to provide someone some sort of clarity towards what their process looks like. If they know what to expect and how to prepare themselves, they will further trust their partner which leads to a better overall experience. Furthermore, it is important to look at what is causing a problem to occur in a workplace, especially if it is recurring, and how it can be solved.
46:22 – 57:19 – For many people, the process is a reflecting opportunity. They rethink whether or not they are happy at their job along with other aspects. During the pandemic, people were concerned that investigations would be hindered because they would be done online. People were now in control of their own environment which could lead to them being more comfortable. Also, reactions and emotions could not be read as easily. Margaret and Rena take pride in teaching others how to be trauma informed. They have helped numerous people change themselves for the better.
About Employment Law Today
Helping Business With Employment Law Issues.
For many business owners, it can be overwhelming to keep up and comply with the federal and state labor and employment laws that govern how they run their business. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new laws and regulations regarding hiring, firing, and workplace practices and protocols — all of which can increase business owners’ anxieties about regaining traction or thriving again. On my weekly show, we will be discussing the most common employment law related questions and challenges that business owners have been facing in these uncertain times.
The show will have three main goals: (1) to inform businesses about employment law updates, (2) to inspire businesses by giving them the tools to move forward, and (3) to demonstrate how some business owners have overcome their employment law problems, walked through the challenges imposed by this pandemic, and have taken steps to regain traction during the reopening phases of this pandemic.
Our guests will include professionals who advise businesses from an H.R., legal, and financial perspective, along with thriving business owners who will share their experiences and insights into running a successful company while complying with labor and employment law mandates during COVID-19.