Author: Katie O'Shea

What’s in a name? Bias in the workplace

As Shakespeare wrote, “that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But there is in fact much to a name—a name can convey a sense of identity, culture, and family history. Recently, a series of viral tweets illustrated how much something as simple as a name could affect an […]

Ontario court awards 3 types of damages in sexual harassment case

by Hannah Roskey An employee who was repeatedly sexually harassed by her coworker sued her employer after being terminated. In addition to normal damages for wrongful dismissal she was awarded $60,000 for “moral damages” by the trial judge, plus damages for the employer’s violation of human rights laws. In Doyle v. Zochem Inc., 2017 ONCA […]

Evolving world of work sparks a call for ‘new collar’ workers

No one denies the world of work isn’t what it used to be. Employers and employees alike struggle to keep up with the dizzying pace of change shaking up an array of industries. With technological advances and changing economics creating opportunity for some while leaving others behind, “skills gap” has become a term recruiters understand […]

New Ohio law allows guns to be locked in vehicles on employer premises

by Jourdan Day Ohio’s new law prohibiting employers from creating or enforcing policies that prevent employees with a concealed carry license from storing a firearm in their locked vehicle while on employer premises takes effect March 19. The law means that as long as an employee keeps her firearm and ammunition in a locked compartment […]

Before Jumping into Wellness Programs, Consider the Pitfalls

Wellness programs sound like a great idea to improve employees’ health status, minimize absenteeism, and generally improve your workplace. Yesterday we looked at some simple ways to introduce wellness programs at your office. However, it’s not all sun salutations and stress breaks. Here are some basic pitfalls that sometimes make a wellness program a little […]

Federal contractors hail Congress’s decision to kill ‘blacklisting’ rule

On March 6, Congress voted to repeal a regulation requiring federal contractors to report employment law violations to agencies that award contracts. President Donald Trump is expected to approve the resolution. The move was expected but is still a great relief to all federal contractors, according to Burton J. Fishman, senior counsel with Fortney & […]

What will Trump’s EEOC look like?

by JW Furman During my years with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), I saw several changes in presidential administrations and power shifts between the major parties in Congress. Following major political upheavals, changes in the priorities of those agencies and even in the day-to-day tasks of their […]

Wellness Programs to Make Your Employees Jump for Joy

Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be devastating for your employees, seriously jeopardizing their health and well-being. Additionally, they can take a toll on your business, resulting in high absenteeism and increased healthcare costs.

ACA repeal proposal: Employer mandate gone, Cadillac tax remains

On March 6, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX) released long-awaited proposed legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) through a budget process known as reconciliation—a process that allows legislation to be passed with a simple majority in the Senate. The legislation is part of House Republicans’ American […]

Employers face uncertainty over ‘less disruptive’ new travel ban, H-1B delay

The Trump administration recently implemented two major changes to its immigration policies, and the full effect for employers remains to be seen. Between a replacement Executive Order (EO) on immigration and the suspension of the fast-track process for H-1B (highly skilled) worker visas, employers and foreign employees may soon face new hurdles, albeit fewer than […]