Policies / Handbooks

EEOC lawsuit highlights how not to use a point-based absenteeism system

12/22/2025

A recently filed EEOC lawsuit against JCPenney highlights how employers must account for absences under an attendance point system. While such systems cut down on employees whose absence causes scheduling problems, managers and supervisors must be trained on how to handle call-offs that may be covered under the FMLA, ADA and PWFA.

A new federal fight over AI rules lands on HR’s doorstep

12/15/2025

The federal government is heading for a showdown with states over who gets to shape the future of AI.

ABA employment law conference highlights legal DEI policies

12/08/2025

2025 has proven to be a tough year for employers seeking to create an equitable workplace. With the new administration challenging the legality of some DEI policies, employers have had to make changes.

Do you need a modified AI policy against ‘accidental’ use?

12/08/2025

You likely have an artificial intelligence policy that limits which AI system employees may use, as well as how and when they should. That’s necessary because some AI systems may retain information employees input into their search, potentially exposing trade secrets and confidential information.

Why Target’s smile policy could backfire

12/01/2025

Generally, employers can require employees to treat customers with respect and consideration. But can they really require workers to fake it?

Best practices regarding the role of social media in hiring and firing decisions

11/17/2025

Age, sex, religion, disability and marital status are just some of the characteristics commonly revealed by the most cursory—or even accidental—social media search. But just because you can access sensitive information easily doesn’t mean you should. Here are some suggestions for a social media policy that makes sense and avoids legal problems.

Election Day reminders: Inform employees of your company’s voting policy

10/27/2025

With Election Day taking place on Nov. 4, now is the time to remind your employees of your company’s voting policy. And if you don’t have this in place, it’s time you created one.

Social media policies tighten as political tensions spill into workplaces

10/20/2025

The line between personal opinion and professional risk continues to shrink—and HR teams are often the ones left holding the rope.

Court: Toxic social media posts justify denying promotion

09/29/2025

Not everyone wants to spend their time deleting emails, blocking co-workers they don’t see eye to eye with or reading rants on message boards or “forward to all” emails. But employers sometimes don’t know when they can discipline over employees’ posts on and off company resources. Now, a federal appeals court has clarified some limits in a recent case.

Detecting, preventing and eliminating drug abuse at work

09/15/2025

September is National Recovery Month, highlighting the work being done to help Americans recover from often-devastating addictions to drugs and alcohol. It’s a good time to review your policies on detecting, preventing and eliminating drug abuse in the workplace to make sure you’re doing so the legal way.