Do your managers know just how easily offhand remarks, perhaps delivered at a relaxed workplace social event, can cause trouble later?rnIf you think they need a reminder, you could point out this case in Iowa:rnA 54-year-old employee was passed over for a promotion and the job went to a 25-year-old. The selection panel had excellent reasons for its choice, including the younger candidate's college degrees, relevant experience, upbeat attitude and computer skills.rnNonetheless, the older candidate sued for age discrimination. And even though a federal court ruled against her, an appeals court said that based on a single unfortunate remark by one of the selectors, she might have a case.rnWeeks after the post was filled, this panel member told an employee at an office party that the panel chairman had a "philosophy to hire younger, educated people." Ouch. That was enough to send the lawsuit back for another, expensive trial.
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