Let's Talk?I've Been Called ?Chink? - Colorado Business Insurance

Preventing Workplace Discrimination Should Be The Focus Of Every Business

by JB Woods
? 2012 Greenpoint Insurance Advisors, LLC

I recently had a conversation with someone I?ll call ?Jim? , who expressed his concern on ?how? to treat one of his employees? who happens to be African-American and? Jim is white. ? Jim was struggling internally and wondering what is the best way to show respect.? We?ve all had those moments of ?Did I say the right thing?? Or, ?I hope this person didn?t interpret what I said incorrectly??

Let?s face it?nobody wants to be accused of being racist.

I was glad Jim asked for my opinion, since I?ve had many incidents of being called a ?chink? or having two North Carolina hillbilly?s point a gun at me when I was traveling to Chapel Hill.

I?ve even had a business executive show me his 9mm he carries throughout the day and assault rifle in the back of his trunk .? In addition I was called ?Toyota? on several occasions, and even received an email like this:

When it comes to your business insurance policy covering discrimination in the workplace?there ?s no coverage under the exclusions section.? This means zero, nada, or nothing.? You must have an employment practice liability policy to cover these types of claims.?? This is a separate policy specific to discrimination and harassment in the workplace and I advise every business to get it.

Here?s my recommendation for those in the same situation as Jim:

1. Treat everyone consistently regardless of their race.? If you?re overly friendly to white people because it?s your nature, then this could be a problem.? Consistency is important.
2. Pay close attention to internal communication.?? Jokes? or comments that have even the slightest edge might become an issue.? Other races will think?if they thought this joke about Polish people is funny?what does this mean about my race.
3. Communications and training is important.? What is your company?s policy regarding discrimination in the workplace?? How often do you have training?? You must make it very clear?Discrimination And Harassment Will Not Be Tolerated.
4. Diversity in the workplace is important.?? For example, there?s a restaurant I frequent and I notice everyone in the front of the restaurant is white and everyone who is a minority is in the back.? I have to admit this bothers me.? I would like to see more diversity at every level.
5. Utilize vendors who are minority owned.? I have many customers who appreciate my honesty about dealing with discrimination in the workplace.? I love talking and helping white people deal with this issue because they?re scared.? I invite my clients to ask ?JB, I know you Asian? I want to be fair with all of my employees?what do I need to know??? I love when a business asks me this questions, because it tells me they care.

Here?s the bottom line?communication, consistency and procedures will prevent these ugly issues from surfacing in the workplace.? Remember there?s no coverage for discrimination in the workplace within your general liability policy.? You will need to pay for your own legal defense, settlement costs and endure the lingering impact on your reputation for years to come.

It?s serious.

Source: http://www.gpbusinessinsurance.com/2012/03/lets-talk-ive-been-called-chink-had-a-gun-pointed-at-me-and-shown-an-assault-rifle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lets-talk-ive-been-called-chink-had-a-gun-pointed-at-me-and-shown-an-assault-rifle

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