New State Laws to Protect Recreational Marijuana Users
It’s time for employers in Illinois and Nevada to update their employment policies to reflect the new state marijuana laws that went into effect in January 2020. Here is a breakdown of the laws, their impact on employers, and the policy revisions that may be needed as a result of the new laws. Illinois [...]
Oregon Expands Protections for Pregnant Workers
Oregon employers with more than six employees must comply with a new discrimination law that requires reasonable accommodations for employees and prospective employees who have limitations related to pregnancy, including childbirth and lactation. Unlike Oregon’s Family Leave Act or sick time law, there is no waiting period for employees prior to becoming eligible for these [...]
Three States Now Prohibit Discrimination Based on Hairstyle
Following California and New York, in December 2019, New Jersey became the third state to outlaw discrimination against people based on hairstyles associated with race and ethnicity. The “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair Act” (the “Crown” Act) makes it illegal to discriminate against people at work, school, or in public places [...]
5 HR Predictions for Labor Law Compliance in 2020
As we embark on a new decade, it’s overwhelming to think about what’s next—especially when our pressing compliance responsibilities continue to grow. That’s why we’ve taken the time to research emerging labor laws and human resources issues, so you can stay on top of the upcoming trends for the new year. Here are 5 trends [...]
WARN Act & Layoffs
Even in the strongest economic times, there’s no assurance that a company won’t have to adjust its workforce. Today, 70 percent of economic experts are forecasting a recession by 2021. This means American businesses must understand the legal implications of having to let go of a portion of their workforce. To avoid violating [...]
How To Proactively Protect Against Workplace Lawsuits
Whether the C-suite is an esteemed group of highly regarded talent or merely an intrepid business owner building a small team on his or her own, there is one common worry for company leaders: the hefty risk to the bottom-line that is complex wage and hour litigation. It’s not an unfounded fear. Over the [...]
Why Do Age Discrimination Laws Only Protect Those Over Age 40?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is one of several federal labor laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace. The ADEA, as its name implies, prohibits employers from firing, refusing to hire, or otherwise discriminating against employees because of their age. But the ADEA doesn’t protect everyone from discrimination based on age—only employees who are 40 [...]
Is Your Company Breaking These 4 Labor Laws?
Business owners must comply with a variety of federal labor laws. Though many small business owners think that these laws only apply to large corporations, many federal labor laws apply the moment that a business hires its first employee. Companies that violate labor laws may face fines, lawsuits, or even criminal prosecution. Read on for [...]
Are Implied Contracts Legally Binding?
Joe works as a senior manager at a car dealership, and Bob works as a salesperson at a competing dealership. They met at an industry business function, where they discussed their shared passion for cars and talked extensively about what they hoped to achieve at work in the next few years. As Joe was leaving, [...]
CA Sexual Harassment Training
In 2018, a new California law went into effect that requires employers with five or more employees to provide training on sexual harassment prevention to all employees: one hour of training for rank-and-file employees and two hours of training to their supervisors. (Previously, California’s sexual harassment training law covered only employers with 50 or more [...]
Workplace Tools & Safety
Are you providing your employees with the right tools and safety procedures at work? No matter which industry your company falls into—whether it’s construction, hospitality, finance, retail, health care, or financial services—it’s important for you to offer your employees the tools they need to do their job. When employees have the right tools, it creates [...]
Know Your Labor Laws
While ignorance is bliss, it is never an excuse for not knowing the law. In other words, a court will not care whether an employer understood its legal obligations when deciding whether to impose liability for a violation of the law: the court will find that the employer is responsible for knowing, understanding, and complying [...]
