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Must You Pay Employees When Bad Weather Forces a Closure?

Maybe it’s 20 inches of snow. Maybe it’s an impending hurricane. It could be wildfires, an ice storm that caused a power outage, or flooding. Whatever the specifics, Mother Nature has a whole lot of ways to create havoc and cause businesses to shut down temporarily.

What Does ‘Equity’ Really Mean to Effective DEI?

In preparing for this piece, I set my sights on demystifying the term “equity,” as in diversity, equity, and inclusion, (DEI). I wanted to explore the part equity plays in creating a healthier workplace culture, which led me to this question: “What exactly is the difference between ‘equity’ and ‘equality’?”  I came across this situation […]

The Role of Empathy in Leadership: Employees Demand It, Leaders Must Live It

Most people don’t know how to truly understand someone else’s point of view without letting their own thoughts and emotions get in the way. Some leaders are guilty of this, often sitting in their own place of judgment rather than using empathy as the bridge to understanding and connection. Empathy is about taking time to […]

Key Differences in US and Canada Employment Laws

Canada employment laws can be quite different to their counterparts in the United States. US employers with operations in Canada need to be well-versed in these differences to stay in legal compliance on both sides of the border. Here are some of the big-picture differences of which to be aware. Canada Employment Laws: Minimum Employment […]

Best Practices in HR—2016

Every year, the HR Daily Advisor staff and BLR’s HR attorney specialists pick the top best practices of the year. What’s hot in 2016? Take a look. See if you think we’re getting it right. Plus, keep an eye on this space as we add more 2016 Best Practices, featuring free in-depth reports for you […]

Are for-smokers-only breaks unfair? Maybe, but usually not illegal

It’s a common frustration for employers: Some workers feel a strong need to break away from work a few – or several – times a day to get their nicotine fix. Other employees just feel a strong need to break away from work. If an employer allows smokers short cigarette breaks at various times through […]

COBRA

COBRA Continuation Coverage: Who Pays?

Most employers are aware that the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires group health plans sponsored by covered employers to allow qualified beneficiaries to have “COBRA continuation coverage” in the event that they lose group health plan coverage for specified reasons.

What Is an Employee’s ‘Duty of Loyalty’?

Samuel Goldwin, the legendary movie producer, was famous for lines like, “A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.” When he was dealing with employees, one of his favorite sayings was, “I’ll take 50 percent efficiency to get 100 percent loyalty.” What does that have to do with employment law? Loyalty. In the […]

What Can Be Deducted From Employee Wages?

Making wage deductions isn’t always as simple as it may seem. The problem lies in whether a particular deduction is legally allowed for a particular employee. In short, allowable pay deductions are highly case-specific. That is, a deduction that is allowed for one person may not be allowed for another, even in the same company. […]