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Employment Law

Unconscious bias: What is it & how do you manage it?

10/22/2020
While the concept of unconscious bias isn’t new, its impact on workplace culture is in the spotlight as HR leaders focus on initiatives to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion. Unconscious bias training is one of the proactive ways HR can raise awareness of the issue and minimize its influence on behaviors, policies and processes.

Avoid the high cost of not posting promotions

10/22/2020
Failing to post job announcements where employees will see them may trigger an expensive lawsuit. That’s a very real problem now. With more employees working remotely, there are fewer chances to spot a promotion opportunity on the breakroom bulletin board or learn about an opening during a casual chat with a co-worker.

Minority employees under-represented at every organizational level

10/20/2020
According to the Mercer consulting firm’s new Let’s Get Real About Equality 2020 report, 66% of organizations say senior executives are actively engaged in efforts to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. There is plenty of room for improvement.

I can’t work in the office … and you can’t make me!

10/20/2020
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that many employees are just as productive when they’re working from home as they are in the office. Which raises the question: Can you make employees come back to the office?

Does ‘religious freedom’ give OK for job bias?

10/15/2020
In recent years, many corporations have made an effort to show their inclusive nature to certain groups, including the LGBT community. But what should your company do if an employee cites “religious freedom” as a reason to reject those company efforts?

Leave & accommodation are top reasons for COVID suits

10/15/2020
A new analysis of all COVID-based employment lawsuits found the most popular claims are related to employee leave and disability accommodations, followed by retaliation/whistleblower suits.

Discover harassment by boss? Act ASAP

10/15/2020
There is almost no way for an employer to defend against an employee’s claim that she was the victim of quid pro quo sexual harassment by a supervisor. The threat of discipline or termination unless a subordinate agrees to have sex with the boss is usually a slam-dunk win for an employee who sues.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act could pass

10/15/2020
The PWFA is modeled after the ADA. It would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for all pregnant workers who need them.

3 Supreme Court cases HR should watch

10/15/2020
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020-2021 term is in full swing. So far, there are three cases on the docket that may affect employers. Here’s a brief summary of each.

New rules proposed for EEOC conciliation process

10/13/2020
For the first time since 1977, the EEOC is proposing changes to the procedures it uses to mediate discrimination and harassment claims before they go to court. If finalized, the new procedures should reduce the number of EEOC complaints that turn into lawsuits, legal experts say.