As we’ve been reporting, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has been increasingly active in processing charges of workplace discrimination against employers here in the U.S.  And, now we have the final word: A record setting 99,922 charges were filed in the 2010 fiscal year that ended September 30.  This is the highest number of charges in the agency’s 45-year history.

Another new record: The agency collected more than $319 million in monetary benefits for employees claiming workplace discrimination…The agency is also adding staff to continue its enforcement activities.

As Orlando strategic Human Resources consultants we advise employers to do the math on defending a claim: Costs of management downtime, costs of  loss of productivity, attorney’s fees, potential court costs, potential expert witness fees, potential settlement costs, etc.  It can add up quickly. That’s why we believe Employment Practices Liability Insurance (“EPLI”) is a “no brainer” in today’s litigious work environment. Note: October 14, 2010 Blog posting.  

Further, there is no substitute for getting the management team up to speed on legal compliance obligations.  Otherwise, they’re driving blindfolded.

Rick