When facing a discrimination claim filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, it makes sense for employers to try to settle as early as possible, before the...
While most everyone considers a grandparent to be an especially cherished family member, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) does not generally include a...
Issue: How do you calculate overtime pay for employees who perform two separate jobs at separate hourly rates? Benefit: New Labor Department rulings clarify this...
Favoritism has a long history of not being deemed an illegal workplace act. But under certain circumstances, favoritism that results from an office romance may...
When an employee refuses to carry out an order, supervisors may automatically think such insubordination is worthy of discipline or firing. Not so fast! That initial...
You know that ethnic slurs and name-calling have no place in the workplace. But a new court ruling proves that any kind of ethnic intolerance can be punished. If...
Q: I retired earlier this year, but I'm starting a consulting business as a sole proprietor. In my line of work, I'll need to use subcontractors. But won't I be taxed in...
Issue: Courts won't look kindly on employers that OK an employee's FMLA leave but then change their minds. Risk: In such cases, courts could grant FMLA rights even if...
On July 26, 2005, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrated its 15th birthday. Since it’s inception, it has been referred to as the most comprehensive...
Issue: Some courts consider agreements—signed or unsigned—legally binding contracts.Risk: A promise by one of your managers during a phone conversation could...
Good news: Managing employees out on sick leave and spotting FMLA abuse just got easier. As a recent court ruling shows, you can call and check on employees to make ...
When defending an employment lawsuit, be careful about authorizing your attorneys to use exceedingly aggressive tactics. If your lawyer goes overboard, you may end up...
Last year's overtime regulations prompted many retail-industry employers to review their compensation structures. But, as the case below shows, if you're a retailer and...
As if there weren't enough complications when co-workers are paramours, here's another: Those who aren't part of the love affair feel slighted when the bedded ones are...
Supervisors may naturally feel more comfortable with employees from one gender or the other. But, as a new court ruling shows, it's important to counsel supervisors...
Say you have an employee who complains that certain workplace smells make him or her sick. If the employee asks for an accommodation to block out the offending odors,...
Don't treat temporary workers like second-class citizens when it comes to complying with employment laws. Contrary to popular belief, your organization isn't protected...
