Under Ohio state law, workplace discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, disability, and genetic information. Ohio law also prohibits retaliation against an employee for filing a complaint of discrimination or participating in an investigation of such a complaint.
To ensure compliance with these laws, it is recommended that Ohio businesses establish and maintain written policies prohibiting discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. These policies should be communicated to all employees and managers through employee handbooks, job postings, and training sessions.
Additionally, Ohio businesses should provide equal opportunity employment in all phases of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and termination. This means that employers should make decisions based on merit and job-related qualifications rather than any prohibited discriminatory factors.
It is important for Ohio businesses to investigate any complaints of discrimination or retaliation fairly and promptly. Employers should document the steps taken in addressing such complaints, including any corrective action taken to prevent future occurrences of discrimination or retaliation.
There may be exceptions and limitations to these laws, such as certain religious organizations or employers with fewer than fifteen employees. If these exceptions apply to your business, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney to ensure compliance with Ohio state law.
In summary, Ohio businesses should be proactive in preventing workplace discrimination by establishing written policies, providing equal opportunity employment, and investigating complaints of discrimination and retaliation promptly and fairly.
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