Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Recently, Connecticut significantly expanded its paid sick leave law. Among other changes, the law will apply to more (and eventually all) Connecticut employers and will allow employees to use paid sick leave for illnesses suffered by a broader array of family members. Original Paid Sick Leave Law Connecticut originally passed a paid sick leave law […]
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. When employees request an accommodation, employers are required to engage in an interactive dialogue with them to determine whether the requested accommodation is reasonable and aimed at assisting the employees in performing their position’s essential functions. Employers […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to automatic systems that use data to make decisions, predictions, or recommendations. AI provides great opportunities to improve many aspects of our lives—how we work, learn, and live. Nevertheless, there are both pros and cons to using AI in the workplace. Advantages include increased efficiency and productivity, innovation, and removing remedial […]
On May 31, 2024, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) revisions to the “walkaround rule” went into effect. The walkaround rule sets forth a process for OSHA to conduct on-site inspections and previously allowed an employee representative to attend the inspection. What’s New with the Rule? The revisions to the walkaround rule remove […]
Employers are looking to save time and money and are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to make employment practices more efficient. In early 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance to help employers navigate the use of AI. The takeaway is that eliminating humans from critical employment processes could result in a violation […]
In recent months, many employers have faced increased scrutiny of and challenges to their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including claims that the programs amount to “reverse discrimination.” In a recent decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit (which covers Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin) rejected an employee’s reverse discrimination claim under […]
Conventional wisdom says firing an employee is one of the more difficult decisions for managers and HR. Unconventional wisdom says to think differently. Read on. Thought No. 1: Fire Sooner, Not Later When a new employee isn’t the right hire, act! When there isn’t a good match between your need and their talent, no amount […]
Effective July 1, 2024, Chicago employers will need to comply with the city of Chicago’s paid leave and paid sick and safe leave ordinance. The ordinance requires Chicago employers and employers with Chicago-based remote workers to provide up to 40 hours per year of paid leave and 40 hours per year of paid sick leave […]
The U.S. Supreme Court’s April 2024 decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis appears to have expanded the universe of “adverse employment actions” that could support an employee’s discrimination claim. The new standard has required courts to consider whether much more generalized and subjective sorts of alleged harm are sufficient to support an employment […]
Twisters was a great summer movie. It had action, the hint of romance, subtle nods to original, questionable science and Glen Powell in a cowboy hat. What more can you ask for? I’m an employment lawyer living in the heart of tornado alley. So, I know a thing or two about tornados and what to […]