Understanding Preferential Treatment and Favoritism However, there are certain circumstances under which preferential treatment or favoritism in the workplace can rise to the level of employment discrimination. We all have the freedom to choose our friends and those we associate within our lives. Workplaces are not immune to preferential treatment, as many people simply click or find commonalities with others that they give special attention to and provide better opportunities. If that's the case, make sure you consult an attorney who can help you make the case that nepotism is not your style.Everyone has experienced favoritism or preferential treatment at some point in their lives. To avoid these kinds of problems, keep office behavior businesslike and save your personal relationships for after work.Įven if you don't think you're giving preferential treatment to employees, someone might file a lawsuit that surprises you. Other employees who are affected or made uncomfortable by it could also sue. It's not just the victim of the hostility who can file the lawsuit. So those inside jokes you make with particular staff members, or the somewhat insulting nicknames you use could all be the subject of a hostile work environment lawsuit. Most often, the claims are bought because of offensive jokes, sexual harassment, ridicule or insults. That kind of claim arises from pervasive conduct that is intimidating or abusive and impacts an employee's ability to get work done. If you seem to hire friends and family who only fall within a certain race or religion, you may be accused of violating anti-discrimination laws.Įmployees could also potentially sue you for creating a hostile work environment. If your preferential treatment for friends and family makes other employees feel like they can't receive the same promotions or treatment, you could face a lawsuit for discrimination.įederal law prohibits workplace discrimination based on gender, race, national origin, or religion. Hiring or promoting people who aren't qualified or experienced because they are friends with the boss is what can get you in trouble. Giving preferential treatment to friends and family at work becomes a problem if the relationship is the basis for such treatment. That's a smart business decision if you also know the person will fit in at your company. Often a business owner will hire family member or a friend because that person is experienced and qualified. Hiring a friend of family member doesn't always fall within that term. What Is Nepotism?įirst, let's sort out the definition of nepotism. But the effects of nepotism may violate other laws that protect your employees. There are few laws specifically against nepotism. But if you are giving preferential treatment to people based on your personal relationships, you could be heading for potential lawsuits from your other employees. It can also include behavior towards friends as well.įavoritism at work in general is a bad idea.

If you think employers only get sued for nepotism if they're hiring a lot of family members, think again.

Preferential treatment at work