Policies / Handbooks

Records retention: Prepare to archive social media posts, text messages

04/21/2025

Most HR pros know they must retain many kinds of documents and records. These days, that includes electronic documents in addition to paper records. Social media posts and work-related text messages are increasingly subject to the same records-retention requirements that have always applied to memos, notes and reports.

HR amid economic uncertainty: Is now the time to ban moonlighting?

04/18/2025

According to a recent survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a record number of people are working more than one job.

Stronger caregiving policies start with smarter HR

04/16/2025

Nearly one in five working caregivers expect to take on new or additional elder caregiving responsibilities in the next five years—and among employees who aren’t currently caregivers, elder care is the most anticipated future obligation. This scale of caregiving makes it a pressing workforce issue, yet many HR departments still fall short in their approach.

States react to the Fed’s stance on DEI

04/09/2025

Do you wear your seatbelt? If you do, you’re a lot less likely to be injured in a car accident. Diversity, equity and inclusion policies, according to guidance issued by 16 states, operate in much the same way—good DEI policies lessen the possibility of unlawful discrimination in the workplace.

When good workers go missing: Handling attendance issues

03/21/2025

The ripple effect of chronically absent employees extends far beyond mere gaps in availability—whether they’re missing from office chairs or virtual meetings, unreliable attendance diminishes team morale, disrupts workflows and ultimately impacts your bottom line. While writing up team members ranks among management’s least pleasant responsibilities, addressing attendance problems requires decisive action backed by fair, consistent processes.

Executive order takes aim at law firm, targets DEI activities in legal industry

03/17/2025

The order ostensibly targets the firm’s hiring and promotion policies, which it characterizes as “blatant race-based and sex-based discrimination.”

DEI reversals could have long-term reputational consequences

03/03/2025

Recent research from Columbia Business School reveals that companies rolling back their diversity, equity and inclusion commitments may face lasting reputational damage, particularly among Black consumers.

Survey: Employers stay the course on DEI despite government pressure

03/03/2025

Forty-nine percent of C-suite leaders told the Littler Mendelson law firm they are not considering rolling back their programs as a result of President Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders, and only 8% said they are seriously considering changes.

Court blocks two Trump anti-DEI orders targeting private employers

02/28/2025

A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily blocked portions of two White House executive orders aimed at abolishing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in private-sector organizations, including federal contractors.

DEI opposition may require handbook changes

02/20/2025

Since taking office, President Trump has aggressively issued orders seeking to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from the federal government—and now from the private sector, too. To avoid potential federal scrutiny, you may want to consider revising your DEI programs and how they are described in your handbook.