Pub. 5 2015 Issue 1

19 Make a plan “Employment practices” is a broad term that covers hiring, firing, and everything in between. As an employ- er, you are undoubtedly aware of the rights of employees to file discrimination charges. However, you are also aware of your right to protect yourself against this type of exposure. Having a legally formulated employment policy that’s supported by consistent enforcement can act as a safety net to protect your company from defense costs and business disruption. Complete and accurate documentation further bolsters your ability to protect your business. Augmenting your employment policy with insurance designed to protect you from the costs of litigation can also help shield your business from expens- es that could significantly damage your earnings. Not having a plan when it comes to “hiring, firing, and everything in between” could be setting up your dealership for HR-related litigation. An effective employment policy isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s a “must have.” Planning, imple- menting, enforcing—these best practices work in tandem to help guide your business toward positive employment experiences while helping to deflect potential risk and exposure to avoidable litigation.  1 www.EEOC.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/1-28-13.cfm ; EEOC Reports Nearly 100,000 Job Bias Charges in Fiscal Year 2012 2 www.EEOC.gov/eeoc/statistics/enforcement/charges.cfm. Accessed Dec. 2013 This article is intended to provide general information only, and offers no guarantee that the information will result in reduced losses or lower premiums. The services described are provided with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or employment advice. Some services may be subject to regulations or restrictions in your state. Seek qualified counsel regarding questions specific to your circumstances and state laws. © 2014 Federated Mutual Insurance Company At the heart of a successful risk management culture is a reliable resource that offers the ability to anticipate potential losses and choose the best prevention solutions. One example of this kind of service is the Federated Employment Practices NetworkSM (FEPN), available from Federated Mutual Insurance Company. FEPN provides property & casualty and ERPL clients access to both online and phone assistance for help with employment-related practices and legal requirements, and allows human resources personnel to get answers to specific legal questions from a qualified expert. For more information on FEPN and other Federated Insurance products and services, contact BrockMartinez, Account Executive at bgmartinez@fedins.com or call 1-888-333-4949 to find your local Federated representative. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K AutoSoft_Illinois_ADA_Halfpage_Ad_final.pdf 1 12/17/14 9:35 AM