Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
A recent employer-friendly decision from the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi) is a reminder to take disability accommodation requests seriously. Also, remember an accommodation can be reasonable even if it’s not the employee’s preferred choice. Facts In May 2016, Willis Towers Watson (WTW) hired Christian Jennings to work […]
Claims filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 require employees to demonstrate several specific elements to prove race discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, or constructive discharge by a federal employer. To be successful, they must show an adverse employment action, intolerable working conditions, or harassment affecting their terms, conditions, or privileges […]
The 6th Circuit (which covers Michigan and Ohio employers) recently provided employers with fresh guidance on what workplace actions may be considered “based on sex” and how severe and frequent the circumstances must be to create liability for a hostile work environment claim. Facts Nicole Massey began working for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department […]
It should go without saying that most employers want to create an environment free from all types of harassment. Not only do they not want to be held liable for such behavior, it’s also simply the right thing to do. That said, fostering a workplace culture that allows harassing behaviors may happen more often than […]
Hostile work environments have the potential to cost businesses thousands or millions of dollars every year due to costs associated with employee turnover, presenteeism, and absenteeism, as well as costs associated with settling or litigating harassment lawsuits.
Did you know that one-fifth of Americans recently reported that they work in a hostile environment? And disturbingly, that may not be as surprising to discover in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.
Did you know that one-fifth of Americans recently reported that they work in a hostile environment? And disturbingly, that may not be as surprising to discover in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.
Sexual harassment—the subject has exploded in recent weeks as people from all walks have spoken up about a menacing workplace problem. Even though antiharassment efforts are a priority in human resources circles, recent revelations about the actions of some high-profile executives are likely to cause employers to ask the question, “Are we doing enough?” And […]
by David L. Johnson Recently, a Pennsylvania YMCA stopped showing cable news shows on the TVs in its gym because they were prompting political squabbles among its members. When filtered into the diverse workplace, passionate opposing political viewpoints can harm productivity and morale and even create liability issues for employers. Sometimes political discussions can morph […]
Over the last week, the fallout from a New York Times article regarding Harvey Weinstein has been swift and significant. On October 5, the Times published an explosive story about Hollywood producer and media mogul Weinstein’s alleged sexual harassment spanning decades. More and more women have been coming forward since the story broke to accuse […]