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FLSA

Staffing Firms Gain Extra FLSA Overtime Protection

Temporary staffing firms may qualify as “retail or service establishments” and therefore may be able to apply the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) “retail sales” overtime exemption to some of their employees, according to a recent opinion letter from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

Burnout Isn’t Serious Health Condition Under the FMLA

In our pandemic world, mental health is important, and normal stressors such as work, finances, education, and childcare have been exacerbated by health concerns, exhaustion, isolation, and alienation. For essential workers, particularly medical workers on the COVID-19 frontlines, burnout is a reality.

fit

COVID-19 Crisis Reinforces Value of Making Good Hires

Nothing draws out an employee’s true nature quite like a global pandemic. Many workers have risen to the occasion during the COVID-19 crisis and worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of their families and communities. On the other hand, some took advantage of remote work or limited supervision by watching “Tiger King” or baking a […]

ADA

Divided 10th Circuit Clarifies Elements of ADA Claim

Almost 2 years ago, a three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Kansas employers) had ruled employees can’t sue the employer for failing to provide a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) unless they can prove some additional adverse employment action. The full 10th Circuit recently revisited […]

manager

The Importance of Having and Sharing a Vision

Most managers understand that micromanaging their teams is counterproductive. Micromanaging, or dictating the intricate details of how an employee completes his or her work, not only is inefficient but also has significant and negative impacts on morale.

The Power of Boundaries in Open Communication

The value of communication cannot be understated. Learning how to connect with employees and leaders and knowing where the boundaries of that communication exist require strong communication skills. When HR successfully navigates that space, it stitches together leaders, managers, and employees in a powerful way.

jobism

In Defense of Not-My-Jobism

One of the most derided phrases in the workplace is “that’s not my job.” It’s been assumed that those who use this phrase are unwilling to help their colleagues for the benefit of the broader team and company and are indifferent to problems that don’t precisely fit their job descriptions. The lack of ownership captured […]

harassment

Solo Practitioner’s Assistant Wins Sexual Harassment Suit

An attorney with a solo legal practice got what was coming to him when his legal assistant finally sued him after years of relentless and horrific mistreatment. She was awarded almost $200,000 in damages. You’re unlikely to feel any sympathy for the attorney, but you can try to learn a thing or two from his […]

wage

Employers Likely to Seek Exceptions in $15 Minimum Wage Bill

Employers are getting a look at a bill that would set a $15-an-hour federal minimum wage by 2025. The bill, which is in line with President Joe Biden’s call for an increase in the federal minimum, which has stood at $7.25 since 2009, is likely to spur calls for relief from certain employers, according to […]