Category: EntertainHR

Posts focus on what not to do in the workplace, based on examples from television, film, and other popular media.

Big Brother: An Experiment on Maintaining Peace and Harmony in the Workplace

Nearly twenty-five years ago, one of the most revolutionary shows premiered. Now in its 26th season, Big Brother remains one of the most controversial shows on television. The show follows a group of contestants, known as “House Guests,” who are isolated from the outside world, and forced to live in a house, outfitted with 94 […]

Beetlejuice: The Horrors of Workplace Romances and Unconscionable Contracts

Spooky season is nearly upon us, appropriately heralded in by the much-anticipated sequel to the original Beetlejuice film from 1988. The latest film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, welcomes back fan favorites Michael Keaton as the titular character Betelgeuse, Winona Ryder as former goth princess Lydia Deetz, and Catherine O’Hara as everyone’s favorite stepmother, Delia Deetz.  It also adds […]

From Office Romance to Courtroom Drama: Lessons from ‘Presumed Innocent’

Raymond Horgan, the District Attorney of Kindle County, declares “it’s Rusty’s case,” in the premier of Apple TV+’s legal thriller, Presumed Innocent. The “case” concerns the brutal murder of Carolyn Polhemus, a respected prosecutor who had an affair with her coworker—the Rusty Sabich. Rusty justifies his assignment based on merit (i.e., he “is better” than […]

EntertainHR: Twisters Reminds Employers to Be Weather (and Employment Law) Aware

Twisters was a great summer movie. It had action, the hint of romance, subtle nods to original, questionable science and Glen Powell in a cowboy hat. What more can you ask for? I’m an employment lawyer living in the heart of tornado alley. So, I know a thing or two about tornados and what to […]

furlough

EntertainHR: Helping Haverford – What Parks and Recreation Teaches Us About Employee Terminations

Parks and Recreation is a beloved mockumentary sitcom that focuses on the lives of several employees of the fictional Pawnee, Indiana’s Parks and Recreation Department. One of those characters is the sarcastic and entrepreneurial Tom Haverford, played by Aziz Ansari. Throughout the series, Tom embarks on several business ventures. One of his business ventures, Rent-A-Swag, […]

Don’t Let Unions Sink Their Teeth into Your Property Rights

July is the best month of the year. It’s warm everywhere, even in Chicago. I look forward to the al fresco dining, outdoor concerts, neighborhood block parties, cookouts with family, and the beach. And sharks. July seems to be synonymous with this apex predator. Whether it is because the movie Jaws took place over the Fourth of July or […]

EntertainHR: Employer’s Guide to Navigating Mental Health in the Workplace

In just a few short weeks, the world will tune in to watch the most talented athletes in the planet beat world records and achieve what no one has done before. After years of training, it will all come down to that one race, that one floor exercise. With cameras in their face and millions […]

EntertainHR: Why it’s Never a Good Idea to Overlook Workplace Drama

If you’re a fan of the Bravo sphere, you’re probably noticing a theme in a few of the latest seasons of our favorite shows like Summer House, the Real Housewives of New Jersey, and Vanderpump Rules: conflict amongst co-workers. Conflict is a part of life, and it becomes more frequent when you’re exes that hate […]

EntertainHR: Baby Reindeer and Employee Protections for Victims of Stalking or Domestic Violence

Baby Reindeer on Netflix is the dark, fictionalized account of how one man’s stalker forever changed his life. It tells the story of a struggling London comedian, Donny Dunn, who meets a woman, named Martha, in a pub where he works as bartender. Martha then begins harassing and stalking Donny, his friends and his family. […]

EntertainHR: 9 to 5—Don’t Mess with Dolly

Summertime is nearing, and one of my favorite summer traditions after a long week is to make a big bowl of popcorn, get myself and my dog cozy on the couch, and turn on an old movie. Recently, I rewatched 9 to 5, a classic screwball comedy that will have you rolling on the floor […]