Policies / Handbooks

Freedom of speech: Does it apply at work?

10/12/2017

It’s a free country, so employees can express themselves however they want at work, right? Wrong. Only employees in the public sector—those who work for government entities—have First Amendment rights in the workplace, subject to limitations.

How can we legally protect trade secrets?

10/06/2017

Q. What are some best practices employers can use to protect their trade secrets?

Establish—and follow—standard policy for releasing employee records

09/26/2017

It’s not unusual for former employees or their prospective employers to ask for copies of personnel records. Make sure you follow a consistent policy that regulates how, when and to whom such records may be released.

Time to review your marijuana testing policy?

09/26/2017

A hot economy, an evolving legal landscape and changing views about marijuana use have employers asking a once-unthinkable question: Is it time to drop pot from the list of drugs targeted by workplace testing programs?

Office ‘desk sensors:’ Legal, but an employee turnoff

09/21/2017

An increasing number of employers are using small electronic sensors placed under desks that tell when employees are present.

Document policy details, decisions based on them

09/21/2017

Be sure to document the reason why you treat some employees differently than others. For example, if employees can’t take leave until they have completed a probationary period, clearly explain that in your handbook.

Make sure moonlighting policy is practical

09/14/2017

With more than 30% of U.S. employees holding some kind of second job or side gig, your organization—whether it knows it or not—likely faces business and legal risks that arise from moonlighters.

Explain how maternity, FMLA leave overlap

09/07/2017

Many employers have maternity leave policies that provide a period of paid time off following birth or adoption. That’s fine. But if you intend for paid maternity leave to run concurrently with federal FMLA leave, be sure you spell that out.

Establish several ways to report harassment

09/06/2017

Providing training to supervisors and employees is a vital way to prevent sexual harassment lawsuits. But a second piece to that puzzle is often overlooked: creating an easy-to-understand complaint policy.

Set telecommuting limits in job descriptions

08/31/2017

The EEOC has recently taken the position that allowing disabled employees to telecommute may be a reasonable accommodation. That’s fine for employers that are set up for telecommuting. But for other employers, establishing a telecommuting option can be complicated, expensive and—maybe—completely impractical.