Employment Law

What managers need to know about age discrimination

11/01/2020

At first glance, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) appears pretty straightforward: It protects people age 40 and older from employment discrimination based on their age. But the law isn’t as simple as it appears; it affects managers in everything from questions asked in job interviews to assigning job duties. Here’s a description […]

Inheriting workers? Review pay for past bias

10/29/2020

If you are adding employees from another company via a merger or acquisition, pay attention to an important pay discrimination problem. Before using your new employees’ previous compensation to set their pay, consider whether that could trigger an Equal Pay Act lawsuit.

NLRB clarifies obligations during pandemic

10/29/2020

Several recent cases before the National Labor Relations Board show that the National Labor Relations Act most definitely affects employer obligations during the coronavirus pandemic. Remember, the NLRA covers all employers, not just those that employ union members.

3 questions, 3 answers on parental leave for kids’ schooling during coronavirus

10/28/2020

In her recent webinar, FMLA Master Class: The Evolution of Paid Leave, attorney Anniken Davenport fielded questions regarding the emergency paid leave law that went into effect nationwide as a response to the coronavirus pandemic–and specifically, what the law means for employees with school-age children.

Unconscious bias: What is it & how do you manage it?

10/22/2020

While the concept of unconscious bias isn’t new, its impact on workplace culture is in the spotlight as HR leaders focus on initiatives to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion. Unconscious bias training is one of the proactive ways HR can raise awareness of the issue and minimize its influence on behaviors, policies and processes.

Avoid the high cost of not posting promotions

10/22/2020

Failing to post job announcements where employees will see them may trigger an expensive lawsuit. That’s a very real problem now. With more employees working remotely, there are fewer chances to spot a promotion opportunity on the breakroom bulletin board or learn about an opening during a casual chat with a co-worker.

Minority employees under-represented at every organizational level

10/20/2020

According to the Mercer consulting firm’s new Let’s Get Real About Equality 2020 report, 66% of organizations say senior executives are actively engaged in efforts to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. There is plenty of room for improvement.

I can’t work in the office … and you can’t make me!

10/20/2020

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that many employees are just as productive when they’re working from home as they are in the office. Which raises the question: Can you make employees come back to the office?

Does ‘religious freedom’ give OK for job bias?

10/15/2020

In recent years, many corporations have made an effort to show their inclusive nature to certain groups, including the LGBT community. But what should your company do if an employee cites “religious freedom” as a reason to reject those company efforts?

Leave & accommodation are top reasons for COVID suits