Tag: Personnel Policies

Following New Decision, Your Handbook May Be Unlawful and Need Revision

Two years ago, in a memo issued by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the agency’s general counsel signaled that one of the Board’s main priorities would be to scrutinize whether certain workplace policies unlawfully infringed on employees’ rights to engage in protected activity under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Common […]

Complying with the OFCCP’s New Disability Self-Identification Form

On July 25, 2023, an updated form from the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) became required for all applicable federal contractors and subcontractors subject to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. The new form lists additional disabilities, expands the possible responses, and provides more descriptive and inclusive language. It also clarifies that completing the form […]

Sizing Up DEI Initiatives in the Era of Anti-‘Woke’ Efforts

With politics and economics seemingly working against employer efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workforce, many DEI proponents are worried about the future. And a recent report from a global consulting firm shows reasons for concern. Changing Attitudes and Priorities In April, DDI released its 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report, […]

How Changes to the ‘Family Glitch’ Affect Workplace Health Plans

Effective in 2023, a new set of rules will change eligibility requirements for the premium tax credit (PTC) created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Implemented by the IRS, these new cafeteria plan rules and regulations will now make it easier for an employee’s family members to enroll in subsidized health insurance through an exchange.

Facebook Messenger for FMLA Leave Requests? Maybe

Even with absences covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), an employer is entitled to put policies in place describing how employees must notify the employer about their health-related absences. As the means of communicating with supervisors have changed and increased over time, whether an employee has given adequate notice of their absence […]

Considerations When Employees Pronounce Their Pronouns in Email Signatures

He/him. She/her. They/them. With increasing public attention over the past few years to the topics of gender identity, gender fluidity, and the rights of transgender individuals, it has become more common for people to make their pronoun preferences known to others. In the electronic world, these disclosures commonly occur in social media profiles and, most […]

Unwelcome Office Birthday Party Leads to $450K Verdict, Lessons on Disability Law

Misunderstandings over an office birthday party recently taught a Kentucky employer an expensive lesson about disability discrimination. A jury awarded $450,000 to the affected employee who didn’t want the party and allegedly suffered a panic attack afterward. The employer’s alleged, repeated mishandling of the worker’s behavior after the episode offers the best explanation for the […]