Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their sex?

In Washington, employers are generally not allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their sex. This kind of discrimination is illegal, as it is a form of sex discrimination. Washington state law prohibits discrimination in any form of employment, including hiring and firing, promotions, and compensation. Sex discrimination is defined as any form of unequal treatment based on a person’s gender. Additionally, employers may not establish different policies that have different effects on different genders, such as policies related to wages, promotions, job duties, or benefits. For example, an employer cannot set a different dress code for female and male employees. Washington state also prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and childbirth, which means employers may not set different expectations for pregnant or recently-delivered employees. In Washington, employers must follow the state’s Fair Employment Law, which prohibits sex discrimination, including different standards or expectations based on sex. Glaring any of these laws can lead to civil or criminal penalties for the employer, so it is important for employers to be familiar with the state’s rules and make sure they are in compliance. Additionally, most employers in Washington are subject to federal civil rights laws which also prohibit sex discrimination.

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