Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a rule banning most noncompete agreements nationwide. Although enforcement is currently stayed (paused) pending legal challenges, courts and legislatures continue to narrow or eliminate noncompete enforceability—prompting employers to reevaluate how they protect proprietary information and competitive advantage. In response, many employers are turning to trade secret law. […]
While an increasing number of employers are requiring their remote employees to return to the office, it’s safe to assume that some employees may continue to work remotely. For their employers, it’s important to remember that many employment laws are state-based and may vary by jurisdiction. Examples of employment issues that can be controlled by […]
Beginning on January 1, 2025, New York State’s amended Paid Sick Leave Law will require employers to provide New York employees with up to 20 hours of paid leave every year for “prenatal personal leave,” which is defined as “leave taken for the health care services received by an employee during their pregnancy or related […]
A straightforward wrongful termination claim resulted in a $2,000 sanction against a lawyer representing a former employee. Why? Inartful use of artificial intelligence (AI). Reading the Rules The federal judges covering the Eastern District of Texas (the eastern part of our state, roughly from Beaumont to Texarkana to Plano) issued a rule on the use […]
Workplace investigations are an important part of any organization’s efforts to maintain a fair, safe, and legally compliant environment. HR plays a crucial role in ensuring that these investigations are conducted thoroughly, impartially, and in compliance with all relevant laws and company policies. Whether the investigation surrounds harassment allegations, safety violations, or a different form […]
Nonprofit organizations face a rapidly evolving employment landscape shaped by economic pressures, technological advancements and shifting workforce expectations. As we begin the new year, it is of the utmost importance that all employers (including non-profit employers) ensure they are complying with recent changes in employment laws. It is a great time to review and update […]
Companies that demand employees provide medical records or family medical history during pre-employment physicals or fitness-for-duty exams are being challenged under the federal Genetic Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) and Illinois’ Genetic Information Privacy Act. Under the laws, an employer can ask for disability information or conduct medical examinations only after giving a conditional job […]
While the number of employment laws Arizona employers are required to follow has steadily increased over the years, employment in Arizona remains largely policy-based. This means employment handbooks are critical to managing employee expectations, establishing performance and behavior standards, and protecting employers from legal liabilities. However, many handbooks fall short of their intended purpose because […]
Online retailer Amazon receives over 11.95 million orders each day and contracts with delivery service partners (DSPs) to complete its abundant deliveries. Amazon employees, technology, and operations work to fulfill online orders, and the orders are packaged at fulfillment centers and dispatched to delivery stations. At the delivery stations, the DSPs take over. They direct […]
Complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has long been an area of special concern for employers, their HR leaders, and managers. The basic intent is to ensure that companies accommodate any reasonable needs that disabled workers may have. Accurately applying the principles of the ADA, though, is anything but basic. […]