Subordinate-supervisor relationships describe the interaction between an employee in a lesser-ranking position who follows the guidance and leadership of someone in a direct leadership role above them. Healthy subordinate-supervisor relationships can provide support, education, and growth, and foster a safe working environment.
As part of these relationships, it is vital to develop standards of acceptable practices in these relationships. As trusted San Francisco employment attorneys, our team remains at the forefront of fighting for the rights of employees whose rights are unlawfully violated in California.
Maintaining Professional Relationships in the Workplace
Healthy subordinate-supervisor relationships are the building block of successful businesses. These relationships foster a supportive environment that allows subordinates to thrive in a collaborative work environment under the guidance of trusted supervision. Subordinates who experience a positive relationship with a supervisor often experience less stress, more job satisfaction, and better well-being, allowing a supervisor to accomplish a company’s goals more safely and effectively while encouraging a subordinate’s growth.
Safeguards for Subordinate-Supervisor Relationships in the Workplace
Recognizing the need to address subordinate-supervisor relationships in the workplace to identify unlawful actions against subordinates, California enacted the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) in 1959. FEHA protects employees from acts of discrimination in the workplace based on protected characteristics identified by the California Civil Rights Department. Over the years, FEHA has evolved to add additional protections, protecting against illegal discrimination based on the following:
- Age
- Ancestry or national origin
- Disabilities, including mental and physical
- Gender identity or expression
- Genetic information
- Marital status
- Medical condition
- Military or veteran status
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Race
- Religion
Maintaining subordinate-supervisor relationships in the workplace that are free from discrimination is pivotal to supporting a positive environment.
Subordinate-Supervisor Relationships and Sexual Harassment
FEHA also protects against harassment in the workplace that targets protected characteristics. One act of harassment that the Civil Rights Department addresses is sexual harassment. Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment. Two types of sexual harassment may impact subordinate-supervisor relationships:
- Quid pro quo: An expression meaning this for that
- Hostile work environment: Unwelcome conduct targeting a protected characteristic that becomes severe and intrusive enough to impact an employee’s ability to perform their job
FEHA prohibits supervisors from basing the employment status of a subordinate on sexual acts or the acceptance of sexual behaviors. The Act also addresses unwelcome conduct and comments based on sex that unreasonably interfere with a subordinate’s work environment, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and hostility. Conversely, these laws also protect supervisors or managers facing harassment or discrimination in the workplace.
Prioritizing Positive Subordinate-Supervisor Relationships
California utilizes some of the most stringent protections in the country to address unlawful acts occurring in a subordinate-supervisor relationship. Under FEHA, implementing anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and regular training is required. The Act also requires addressing discrimination and harassment immediately if it occurs.
Supervisors should also facilitate an interactive relationship to understand and make reasonable accommodations for subordinates with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations extend to religious practices under FEHA, as well. Assisting with lactation accommodations and other subordinate needs is part of the subordinate-supervisor relationship.
Experiencing Unlawful Acts in a Subordinate-Supervisor Relationship at Work?
At The Armstrong Law Firm, our relentless advocacy continues to support the laws governing subordinate-supervisor relationships in the workplace. Discrimination and harassment are unlawful practices. Learn more about FEHA and your rights to a safe work environment if a workplace relationship interferes with or threatens your employment.