Tag: HR management and compliance

Despite Title, New DOJ Anti-DEI Guidance Not Just For Federal Funds Recipients

It’s no secret that 2025 has seen a dramatic shift in the federal government’s view of the value and legal validity of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives. The latest guidance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) is directed at recipients of federal funding, but all businesses can use it to learn about […]

Act Now! Anonymous Reporting Hotline Can Strengthen Legal Defenses and Mitigate Risk

Workplace misconduct—whether sexual harassment, wage violations, or immigration-related risks—can expose employers to costly litigation and reputational harm. But one tool is increasingly proving to be a powerful shield: the anonymous employee hotline. Hotlines don’t just help companies identify problems early—they can also play a critical role in establishing legal defenses. From preventing harassment claims under […]

Despite Title, New DOJ Anti-DEI Guidance Not Just for Federal Funds Recipients

It’s no secret that 2025 has seen a dramatic shift in the federal government’s view of the value and legal validity of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives. The latest guidance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) is directed at recipients of federal funding, but all businesses can use it to learn about […]

Be Prepared for More Audits of Your E-Verify Process

We’re witnessing more of an emphasis on immigration enforcement, which is increasingly being felt by employers and involves a noticeable uptick in federal agency inquiries directed at workplaces. With more of a focus on employers’ compliance with immigration requirements, audits of employers’ E-Verify programs are on the rise, and companies should be prepared to respond […]

Affirmative Action Plans: Are Those Still a Thing?

There have been changes to the requirement for federal contractors to have affirmative action plans (AAPs) since the Trump administration came into office.  In Executive Order (EO) 14173 “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” issued on January 21, 2025, the administration rescinded EO 11246 and required the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to “immediately […]

Navigating Recent Changes to California Wage and Hour Laws

The recent changes to California’s wage and hour laws have significant implications for employers operating within the state. While the reforms are aimed at providing clearer guidelines for employers, there are still complex issues that HR professionals and employment lawyers must address. Key updates that affect your organization and what you can do to stay […]

Background Checks

Bringing on a new employee represents a significant investment for any organization. Most companies want someone who will be with them long term to get the most of their investment. Unfortunately, even with multiple rounds of interviews, it’s hard to vet someone through conversations alone. Candidates always seek to put their best foot forward and […]

HR Query: Staying Compliant with PUMP and PWFA

Two new laws strengthen protections for pregnant and nursing employees in the workplace: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP). In this week’s HR Query, we’re highlighting what you need to know to make sure organizations stay compliant. The PWFA took effect June 27, 2023, […]

How Layoffs Impact the PERM Process: Employer Considerations

While businesses typically take extensive steps to avoid layoffs, they’re unfortunately part of the business life cycle. As the United States has had a recent uptick in layoffs across various industries, employers should be aware of the potential impact to their permanent residence (green card) immigration programs.  The PERM (or labor certification) application is one […]

AI: Is It Helping or Hurting Businesses in the Quest to Stay Compliant?

The business world is currently abuzz with talk about artificial intelligence (AI). With incredibly intuitive tools such as ChatGPT making headlines outside of traditional tech circles, many businesses are wondering how they can integrate AI into their processes and whether it will help with or hinder their compliance efforts.  AI is a powerful tool that […]