1. Please explain workplace harassment. Example. 2. Three work-related factors might cause accidents: the job itself, the work schedule and the psychological climate in workplace. Please explain how these factors cause unsafe conditions in workplace. Please give examples. 3. Please explain workplace discrimination. Example 4. Please explain the differences between defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution pension plan. 5. Please explain pay inequity in workplace. How shall we handle pay inequity issue?

1. **Workplace Harassment:** Workplace harassment is unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile work environment based on legally protected characteristics such as race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. It can also include offensive behavior based on other characteristics not legally protected but that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment.<br /><br /> **Example:** A supervisor repeatedly makes unwanted sexual advances towards an employee, creating a hostile work environment. Another example is consistently making derogatory jokes about a colleague's religion.<br /><br />2. **Three Work-Related Accident Factors:**<br /><br /> * **The Job Itself:** Certain jobs are inherently more dangerous than others. Construction work, for example, involves working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and exposure to hazardous materials, all of which increase the risk of accidents. Lack of proper safety procedures, inadequate training, or faulty equipment can further exacerbate these risks. *Example:* A construction worker falls from scaffolding because it wasn't properly erected.<br /><br /> * **The Work Schedule:** Long hours, night shifts, and rotating shifts can contribute to fatigue and decreased alertness, increasing the likelihood of accidents. *Example:* A truck driver who has been driving for 14 hours straight falls asleep at the wheel and causes an accident.<br /><br /> * **The Psychological Climate:** A stressful or hostile work environment can also contribute to accidents. Employees who are under constant pressure, feel undervalued, or are experiencing bullying or harassment may be more distracted and less likely to follow safety procedures. *Example:* A worker who is constantly being berated by their supervisor rushes through a task to avoid further criticism and injures themselves in the process.<br /><br />3. **Workplace Discrimination:** Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This can include hiring, firing, promotions, training opportunities, and other aspects of employment.<br /><br /> **Example:** A qualified female candidate is passed over for a promotion in favor of a less qualified male candidate. Another example is an employee being fired because they requested a reasonable accommodation for their disability.<br /><br />4. **Defined Benefit vs. Defined Contribution Pension Plans:**<br /><br /> * **Defined Benefit:** A defined benefit plan guarantees a specific amount of retirement income based on factors like salary and years of service. The employer is responsible for managing the investments and ensuring sufficient funds are available to pay the promised benefits. The employee typically doesn't have control over investment choices.<br /><br /> * **Defined Contribution:** A defined contribution plan, like a 401(k) or 403(b), involves contributions from both the employee and often the employer. The money is invested, and the final retirement benefit depends on the investment performance. The employee has control over investment choices and bears the investment risk.<br /><br />5. **Pay Inequity:** Pay inequity occurs when employees in similar roles with similar qualifications and experience receive different levels of compensation based on factors like gender, race, or other protected characteristics.<br /><br /> **Handling Pay Inequity:**<br /><br /> * **Transparency:** Promote pay transparency within the organization. Clearly define salary ranges for different roles and levels.<br /> * **Regular Audits:** Conduct regular pay equity audits to identify and address any discrepancies.<br /> * **Job Evaluations:** Use objective job evaluations to determine the relative worth of different jobs.<br /> * **Negotiation:** Encourage employees to negotiate their salaries and provide training on negotiation skills.<br /> * **Legal Recourse:** Employees who believe they are experiencing pay inequity can file a complaint with the relevant government agencies.<br /> * **Policy Implementation:** Implement clear policies prohibiting pay discrimination and outlining procedures for reporting and addressing complaints.<br />