Author: Allison Hawkins and Amy Wilkes, Attorneys, Burr & Forman LLP

Proposed Harassment Guidance Broadens Employers’ Obligations Under EEO Law

On October 2, 2023, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published in the Federal Register its notice of proposed guidance on “Enforcement Guidance of Harassment in the Workplace.” The guidance incorporates updates reflecting current case law governing workplace harassment and addresses the proliferation of digital technology and how social media postings and other off-work […]

Importance of Evaluating Your Employees—The Good and the Bad

As we approach the end of another year, some of you may be gearing up for the year-end performance evaluation season. Conducting proper performance evaluations can play a critical role in your organization’s ability to address issues with poor performing employees, as well as retain your good employees. The purpose of this article is to […]

NLRB’s Latest Rule Means Big Changes Ahead on Joint Employment Front

The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) new rule on joint employment puts more employers at risk of joint employer status, meaning they will bear more responsibility related to unionization, bargaining, and unfair labor practice charges. The Board’s new rule, issued October 26, replaces a rule issued in 2020 by the Trump administration’s Board. That rule […]

Avoiding FMLA Mishaps

We all know the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave to care for a serious medical condition of the employee or the employee’s family member. Despite the fact the FMLA is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, employers are still grappling with its […]

Time for Handbook Review! NLRB Adopts New Standard for Workplace Rules

On August 2, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) adopted a new standard for evaluating the legality of workplace rules under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Employers in both unionized and nonunionized settings should review their employee handbooks and policies to ensure compliance with the new standard. Review of the Old Standard As […]

A Reminder for Employers: Review Your Separation Agreements

Companies routinely use separation agreements with departing employees. Through those agreements, the employee receives some type of separation benefit (typically a payment or severance) in exchange for waiving and releasing any potential claims against the company. The goal is to avoid an existing or potential dispute, claim, or lawsuit. But if companies don’t routinely review […]

Demand for AI Skills Far Outpaces Supply

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a high-tech revolution that has been around for a while. But it’s reached peak attention recently with the advent and rapid adoption of generative AI (GenAI) apps like ChatGPT and Bard. But as interest and adoption increase, both are outpacing the availability of people with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to […]

When Is Arbitration the Best Option?

If you run a business, you’ve probably encountered arbitration clauses. These contractual provisions require parties to resolve disputes in private proceedings instead of court and are celebrated as a cost-effective alternative to in-court litigation. But arbitration might not always be a beneficial proposition for business disputes. Those who have arbitrated cases know the process features […]

Guaranteed OT Pay: Employers Urged to be Ready as New Overtime Final Rule Approaches

Employer interests are sounding off against the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposal for a dramatic increase in the overtime threshold, but employers are still advised to take a close look at their exempt workforce to make sure their status is justified. The DOL released its long-awaited proposed rule on August 30. If finalized, the […]

Evolving HR: FMLA and the Modern Workplace

Employers with over 50 employees regularly address employees’ requests for leave under the FMLA. When the FMLA was originally enacted in 1993, the workplace looked a bit different than it does now. Most employees went to a main worksite and job applicants came to a location to apply for employment. In today’s work environment, many employees work […]