Author: Cassandra Forbes, Associate, Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC

leadership

Don’t Be in the Dark: What to Know About Accommodating SAD Employees

Ah, fall—cooler temperatures, vibrant leaves, and football. Unfortunately, the dreaded end to daylight saving time also arrives not long after we welcome fall, signaling shorter days and dark drives home from work. For many of us, the transition to fall is often a pleasant change of pace from a long, hot summer. However, for some […]

cares

U.S. Employers Strive for a Healthier Workforce

As healthcare costs continue to rise and unemployment falls to its lowest level in almost 50 years, an increasing number of employers are providing health benefits—from insurance coverage to wellness programs—to attract and maintain a healthy workforce. Some companies, though, are still holding out.

sexual harassment

Louisiana State Agencies Face New Sexual Harassment Law

A new Louisiana law taking effect on January 1 requires all state agencies to adopt a sexual harassment policy making clear that unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate sexual conduct creating a hostile work environment are prohibited behaviors.

’Tis the Season for Religious Accommodations

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for many employers. It’s also when you’re flooded with time-off-work requests for religious observancnes. What are your obligations when it comes to accommodating the requests? The answer is important, considering the costs associated with getting it wrong. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers […]

Performance Appraisals and the Halo Effect

In yesterday’s Advisor we heard from Steffen Maier, Cofounder of Impraise on how unconscious bias plays a role during performance appraisals, and how to overcome those biases. Today we have more tips.

TV Explores #MeToo Red Flags as EEOC Stings Real-Life Harassers

One year has passed since The New York Times and The New Yorker broke the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal, yet television shows are still weaving #MeToo themes into their storylines. On November 1, 2018, NBC’s comedy series Will and Grace took up the serious topic in the subplot for an episode titled “Grace’s Secret.”

joint employer

Comment Period Extended Again On NLRB Joint-Employment Rule

Employers and others interested in influencing a new rule on what constitutes joint employment have another month to make their thoughts known on the issue. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced on December 10 that the comment period for the proposed rule was being extended to January 14, 2019.

A Clear and Present Danger: Domestic Violence in the Workplace

On Monday, November 19, emergency room doctor Tamara O’Neal was shot outside her workplace, Mercy Hospital & Medical Center on Chicago’s south side. According to sources, the shooter, Juan Lopez, was angry with her over a broken engagement, leading to yet another workplace active shooter situation. While coworkers can be the perpetrators of workplace violence, […]

Feedback

These 3 Types of Feedback Boost a High-Performance Culture

Management literature is filled with different perspectives on what managers should do to most effectively influence the performance of staff members who report to them. Ranging from authoritative to collaborative, aspects of these various styles are appropriate at different times and in different situations. But the core characteristics of a mentor—a wise and trusted advisor […]

performing

Unconscious Factors Impacting Your Performance Appraisals and How to Stop Them

Objectivity is the most important part of having an effective performance appraisal system. What you want is a system in which your top performers are recognized and then given opportunities to advance their skills. Meanwhile, rather than being discouraged, low performers should come out with the advice and motivation they need to improve their performance. […]