Author: Tammy Binford, Contributing Editor

Excited About the Potential of AI? Don’t Forget Legal Compliance

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just creating buzz. It’s also sparking both fear and enthusiasm, with some employers worried about the downsides and others eager to dive in and capitalize on the potential. No matter how it’s viewed, though, employers must focus on how this brave new world intersects with legal compliance. Guidance from the DOL […]

A Voice for the Underrepresented: Wally Tablit’s Impact as Chief Disability Inclusion Officer 

Wally Tablit’s career journey in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a testament to resilience, diversity, and the power of inclusion. As the Chief Disability Inclusion Officer at Relay Resources, Tablit has dedicated his career to advocating for equitable opportunities and fostering inclusive environments. His rich personal and professional background brings a […]

onboarding

3 Components of an Above-and-Beyond Onboarding Experience

When it comes to filling open roles within your company, finally getting a “yes” from a potential candidate can feel like the end of a long road. After all, you’ve probably been recruiting for a while—crafting the job description, casting a wide net, searching for top talent, networking, fielding resumes, and giving multiple interviews all […]

Workplace Distractions: The Subtle Thieves of Efficiency and Output

The contemporary office is a minefield of mental bombardment—email alerts incessantly dinging, instant messages demanding immediate response, back-to-back meetings depleting focus, and water cooler banter punctuating every lull. Distractions lurk around every digital corner, making monotasking near impossible. This relentless onslaught of stimuli can quickly induce overstimulation. When deluged with excessive sensory input, the brain […]

Making DOL’s Overtime Rule Changes Make Cents

On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its highly anticipated final rule that will raise the standard minimum salary level needed for most white-collar exempt employees on July 1, 2024, and then increase it again beginning January 1, 2025. The final rule will also increase the total compensation minimum for highly […]

Ask the Expert: What Time Is Considered Compensable?

Question: What’s considered compensable time during the onboarding process under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)—for example, time completing paperwork before the start date, as well as time reviewing policies and procedures and completing training? Answer: Under the FLSA, employees must be compensated for all working time. Even if the employer didn’t specifically request that […]

Case Study: Lights, Camera, Action… and Discovery Dispute

A TV host resigned because her employer didn’t respond when she complained about her cohost’s behavior. After her cohost was fired a few months later, she sued. During the pretrial fact-finding stage (discovery), the parties disagreed over what information they were required to exchange. Let’s take a look. Combustible Sydney Watson was the cohost of […]

17 State Attorney Generals Sue to Stop EEOC’s Final PWFA Regulations

On April 25, 2024, attorneys general from 17 states filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) seeking to stop the implementation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act’s (PWFA) final regulations, which were published on April 19, 2024. The 17 states include Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, […]

Employers Take Note—Child Labor Violations Continue to Be Major DOL Focus

Earlier this year the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released statistics on its child labor enforcement activity for 2023. Astonishingly, WHD found an 88% increase since 2019 in the unlawful employment of minors. As we head into the summer months when many employers hire minors, companies should be mindful of the Fair Labor […]

merger

Navigating Labor and Employment Considerations in Mergers and Acquisitions

Merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions are complex endeavors involving various legal, financial, and operational considerations. Among these considerations, labor and employment law and regulations play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition for both employers and employees. Whether it’s an asset purchase, a stock purchase, a merger, or another form of M&A deal, understanding […]