Author: Chase Webb & Alyssa Lankford, Attorneys, McAfee & Taft

If Noncompetes Are Gone, What’s Next?

Protecting against intellectual property theft and unauthorized disclosure of confidential business information has always been an important practice for businesses, yet the continuing evolution of the labor market post-COVID has increased the risk of intellectual property loss due to employee mobility and remote work. Employers have traditionally turned to noncompete, nonsolicitation, and confidentiality agreements to […]

Complying with the OFCCP’s New Disability Self-Identification Form

On July 25, 2023, an updated form from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) became required for all applicable federal contractors and subcontractors subject to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. The new form lists additional disabilities, expands the possible responses, and provides more descriptive and inclusive language. It also clarifies that completing the form […]

How Has the #MeToo Movement Changed the Workplace?

Initiated by the social media activity of sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke, the #MeToo movement began nearly 20 years ago in 2006 and gained increased prominence in the late 2010s with sexual assault allegations—and ultimately convictions—against media mogul Harvey Weinstein. The movement has gained particular traction in the world of big media, from […]

What Businesses Should Know About Intellectual Property

Many individuals—and all businesses—have intellectual property. This includes everything from names and brands, to inventions, software, and works of art. Too often those assets go unprotected. As companies prepare to develop and commercialize a product or idea, it’s important that they understand what is needed to strategically protect their assets. What Is Intellectual Property? Intellectual […]

What We Learned From … HR Leadership Week 2023

We’ve enjoyed a full week of online events and digital resources about leadership. As this year’s HR Leadership Week comes to a close, let’s take a look at what we’ve learned from the event’s discussions and resources. Monday Featured Article | Are You Listening, Really Listening, to Your Employees? As employee engagement has become a growing […]

Report Suggests Aging Workforce in Future

It’s no secret that advanced economies are seeing a frightening demographic shift. Fewer births and greater longevity have combined to create older populations with fewer young people caring for the elders. This hasn’t been seen at any point in recent memory for most nations, and many observers have referred to it as the “demographic time […]

I-9 Verification Just Got Easier

On August 1, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a revamped and streamlined Form I-9, which must be used starting November 1. The biggest change, however, is DHS’s creation of an “alternate procedure” that will make it easier for employers to inspect an employee’s work authorization documents. In lieu of a physical document […]

Ask the Expert: When Using Employees’ Photos, It’s Best to Ask Permission

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at HR Hero®, we look at a question about best practices for using employees’ photos. Q: Our company has just taken pictures of key employees for use on social media, brochures, and elsewhere. Are we required to get consent […]

Workplace Social Media Etiquette and Usage

Social media is so ubiquitous today that it’s hard to imagine most people spending any substantial amount of time not engaged with social media. While the technology and delivery models are relatively novel, humans have always been social creatures, and social media is a virtual extension of that. Use of Social Media at Work But […]

Sizing Up DEI Initiatives in the Era of Anti-‘Woke’ Efforts

With politics and economics seemingly working against employer efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workforce, many DEI proponents are worried about the future. And a recent report from a global consulting firm shows reasons for concern. Changing Attitudes and Priorities In April, DDI released its 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report, […]