Tag: Harassment

New Connecticut law protects interns from discrimination, harassment

by Ashley Harrison Sakakeeny Employers in Connecticut should update their antidiscrimination and antiharassment policies to cover unpaid interns as a new state law becomes effective October 1. The new law, Public Act 15-56, prohibits discrimination and harassment against interns much like current laws protect employees. It prohibits discrimination based on an intern’s race, color, age, […]

Tips to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Nearly everyone knows that sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. But not everyone knows exactly what constitutes sexual harassment, and what employers can do to prevent it. Let’s review the legal definition of sexual harassment, and then take a look at some tips for employers on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.

Common Employee Complaints About Bad Bosses

When employees are dissatisfied at work, one of their most common complaints is a bad boss. But for employers interested in improving employee morale and workplace culture, the idea of “bad” is too general. What makes a bad boss? What exactly are the most common complaints about bad bosses?

EEOC Ruling on Sexual Orientation Discrimination

With the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision making same-sex marriage bans illegal across the country, many people have raised the question of discrimination. It may be legal for same-sex couples to marry, but it’s still also seemingly legal in many areas for businesses to discriminate based on sexual orientation. These two issues are fundamentally incompatible.

‘Trans’ Woman—When Does ‘He’ Become ‘She’?

In yesterday’s Advisor, BLR® Legal Editor Jasmin Rojas, JD, used “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star “Caitlyn” (formerly Bruce) Jenner’s recent reintroduction of herself as a transwoman as a jumping-off point for a discussion of transgender discrimination. In today’s Advisor, Rojas offers practical tips for employers.

NLRB General Counsel issues guidance on lawful handbook policies

by Lisa Berg Nonunion employers often believe they don’t have to worry about decisions from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Well, think again! On March 15, 2015, NLRB General Counsel Richard F. Griffin issued a 30-page memo (Memorandum GC 15-04) that provides guidance on handbook policies the NLRB considers unlawful. The memo focuses on […]

When Is an Employee Protected from Retaliation?

When Is an Employee Protected from Retaliation? Retaliation should never be a motivating factor for employers. While this statement may seem obvious, it’s all too easy for emotions and frustrations to cloud employers’ (and individual supervisors’ and managers’) judgment when something goes awry at the workplace. Unfortunately, it’s also easy to inadvertently appear to act […]

What is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?

We hear a lot about civil rights and nondiscrimination, and most HR professionals have at least a basic knowledge of employee nondiscrimination rights. But when it comes right down to it, what exactly is in Title VII? It’s probably the most commonly referenced law relating to nondiscrimination in the workplace, so it’s important to be […]