Author: Virginia Employment Law Letter

4th Circuit ruling favors transgender student

by Rachael Luzietti After the Norfolk federal district court refused to order the Gloucester County School Board to grant the student’s request, he appealed to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to all Virginia employers). Recently, the appeals court reversed the district court’s decision and issued a ruling favorable to the […]

Cooling hot political buttons

During every political campaign, I am reminded of the notion that if we speak about our co-workers or subordinates in the manner in which the American voter speaks about political candidates, we should expect some remediation by our superiors or human resources. For example, if we question the legitimacy of an employee’s birth certificate, criticize […]

Research shows rewards, recognition programs not one size fits all

Figuring out how to keep employees engaged can keep human resources professionals up at night. Good pay, generous benefits, and various perks contribute to the mix of techniques used to motivate employees. But a simple pat on the back may be the best place to start.  Although employees value pay hikes and prestigious titles, a […]

3 essential areas of supervisor training

by Jason Ritchie It’s imperative that you train your supervisors on key workforce management topics. Here are three compliance areas that should top your training list.  Knowing company policy and legal obligations Because supervisors are the frontline company representatives who have the most day-to-day contact with employees, they need to know and understand your company […]

Ruling gives employees more time to file constructive discharge claims

by Tammy Binford A May 23 U.S. Supreme Court ruling clears up questions about how long employees have to file constructive discharge claims, and the decision likely means more pressure for employers potentially facing such lawsuits. In Green v. Brennan, the Court ruled 7-1 that a U.S. Postal Service employee in Englewood, Colorado, filed a […]

Avoid the Affinity Group Danger Zone

Employers of all sizes have generously supported so-called affinity groups for years as a natural extension of workplace diversity, culture, and inclusion efforts. Also known as networking, advocacy, diversity, focus or support groups, it’s estimated that nearly 90% of Fortune 500 companies have them. Their aim was, innocently enough, to facilitate networking and common interest […]

Create a Culture of Engagement

Yesterday’s Advisor covered the importance of an engaged workforce and how you can serve as an example to your employees. Today’s article offers tips for creating a culture of engagement.

overtime

DOL’s new overtime rule comes with unintended consequences

by Dan Oswald Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a new rule that requires anyone who makes less than $47,476 to receive overtime pay. When a colleague suggested I consider this topic for my blog, I was reluctant. I’m not an expert on wage and hour issues. We have many people much […]

No bluff: Wright demands equal pay on House of Cards

Actress Robin Wright, who plays the formidable Claire Underwood on House of Cards, is the latest in the entertainment world to speak out on equal pay. According to a recent interview, Wright demanded equal pay after statistics showed that her character was just as popular (if not more so) than that of her male costar, […]

Employee Engagement, Your Key to Success

Success in business requires a competitive edge—it takes that special something that makes a company and its products or services stand out in a rapidly changing marketplace. A high-performing, engaged workforce can give you that edge. Engaged employees are innovative, enthusiastic, and passionate about their job and where they work. That combination is the key […]