Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are designed to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for employees. One critical aspect of these standards is the designation of a “Competent Person.” This article delves into the definition, duty to designate,… Read More »OSHA Competent Person Requirements: Ensuring Workplace Safety
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various sectors, including employment, where it’s increasingly used for hiring and talent management. However, the rise of AI brings new challenges, notably the risk of AI discrimination. Employers and states are now implementing measures to… Read More »Understanding AI Discrimination and Measures to Prevent It
Payroll tax liability can be a significant issue for companies of all sizes. Missteps in handling payroll taxes can result in severe financial penalties, legal complications, and reputational damage. Understanding how these liabilities arise is crucial for business owners and… Read More »How a Company Gets Into Payroll Tax Liability
In a critical development, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced its final rule to increase the minimum pay requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for various exempt “white-collar” employee categories. This rule, effective July 1, 2024,… Read More »New Overtime Threshold Taking Effect Soon: Why HR Must Act Now
Fostering a healthy and respectful environment is paramount for both employee well-being and organizational success. However, sometimes workplaces can turn toxic, leading to what is commonly known as a hostile work environment. Defining a Hostile Work Environment: Understanding the Core… Read More »Understanding a Hostile Work Environment: Recognizing Signs and Taking Action
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released its finalized enforcement guidance on workplace harassment, marking a significant update since its last guidance in 1999. The new guidelines reflect pivotal legal changes, including the Supreme Court’s landmark Bostock v.… Read More »Harassment Prevention 2.0: EEOC’s Updated Guidance for Employers
A coalition of seventeen states, led by Tennessee, is contesting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) recent rule requiring employers to accommodate abortion under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The PWFA mandates that employers with 15 or more employees… Read More »States Challenge EEOC’s Inclusion of Abortion Accommodations in Pregnancy Rules
Conducting thorough background checks on potential employees is crucial for businesses of all sizes. However, traditional methods of background screening can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error. This is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) steps in, offering a transformative… Read More »Streamlining Efficiency and Fairness: How AI is Revolutionizing Employee Background Checks
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) made a groundbreaking decision on Tuesday by voting 3-2 to ban noncompete agreements, which have long restricted millions of employees from seeking new opportunities after leaving a job. This move marks a significant shift in… Read More »FTC Votes to Ban Noncompete Agreements: A Landmark Decision
The interaction between Medicare and workers’ compensation can be complex, presenting unique challenges for legal professionals. When a worker enrolled in Medicare suffers a work-related injury or illness, navigating the system to ensure proper medical treatment and minimize financial exposure… Read More »Legal Basics for Medicare Compliance in Workers’ Compensation Cases
A drug-free workplace fosters safety, productivity, and a positive work environment. Establishing a clear and compliant drug testing policy is crucial for achieving these goals. This article explores the essential components of an effective drug-free workplace policy, focusing on legality… Read More »Crafting a Comprehensive and Lawful Drug-Free Workplace Policy
Permanent Labor Certification, commonly known as PERM, stands as a pivotal step for employers seeking to hire foreign workers on a permanent basis. Understanding the intricacies of the PERM process is crucial for employers aiming to navigate the complexities of… Read More »Navigating the PERM Certification Process
Notice Requirements: Ensuring Proper Notification Proper notification is a cornerstone of COBRA compliance, ensuring that eligible individuals are informed of their rights to continue health coverage. Employers must provide clear and comprehensive notices to qualifying employees and beneficiaries, detailing their… Read More »Common COBRA Compliance Issues: Navigating Notice, Timing, and Penalties
Ensuring fair compensation practices is a cornerstone of any healthy employer-employee relationship. When it comes to absences, a key question arises: how should employers handle deductions from pay? This article dives into the legalities surrounding partial day deductions versus full… Read More »Navigating Time and Pay: Partial Day Deductions vs. Full Day Deductions
As a manager, your role involves fostering a supportive environment while meeting organizational goals. This delicate balance can sometimes require saying no to employee requests. While it may feel counterintuitive, mastering the art of delivering effective refusals can strengthen your… Read More »The Art of Saying No: A Manager’s Guide to Delivering Effective Refusals