Workplace Environment and Working Conditions

Beyond providing a safe workplace free from harassment, workers want to be treated with dignity. Generally, we expect our employers to be honest with us and transparent in their communications. However, there are times when the company should not be transparent such as when negotiating the firm's sale. Thus, managers can be placed in a difficult position. This text highlights some of the challenges managers face when fostering an environment where people can thrive. Pay attention to the end of the discussion on what people expect and want from firms regarding the benefits they are offered. Also, note that managers need to be authentically interested in the employees who report to them.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Identify specific ethical duties managers owe employees
  • Describe the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
  • Identify Equal Employment Opportunity Commission protections, including those against sexual harassment at work
  • Describe how employees' expectations of work have changed

All employees want and deserve a workplace that is physically and emotionally safe, where they can focus on their job responsibilities and obtain some fulfillment, rather than worrying about dangerous conditions, harassment, or discrimination. Workers also expect fair pay and respect for their privacy. This section will explore the ethical and legal duties of employers to provide a workplace in which employees want to work.



Source: eCampusOntario, https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/businessethicsopenstax/chapter/the-workplace-environment-and-working-conditions/
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