News

The EEOC is pursuing lawsuits over sex discrimination, age discrimination and failure to accommodate disabilities.

A startling 46% of employees say they have witnessed workplace harassment in the past five years, according to the new State of Workplace Harassment Report from Traliant. Its survey of more than 2,000 U.S. workers reveals critical gaps in how organizations prevent harassment and respond to it—gaps that Traliant says could cost employers both money and talent.

Some laws carry the prospect of personal liability. What does that mean? Laws like the FMLA and the Fair Labor Standards Act permit employees to sue individuals—not just employers—including HR professionals.

Some employers have no problem, in general, with employees who moonlight, but still want some restrictions. That’s why it’s wise to set a clear policy that outlines what you consider acceptable outside employment.

A hiring manager told HR they have issued a verbal warning to an employee who is on a new-hire trial period—and that they do not believe the employee will be successful in the position. Are there any potential legal ramifications in extending the probation while searching for a replacement?

In his first week in office, President Trump issued a wide-ranging executive order designed to identify federal government agencies that have what are colloquially called diversity, equity and inclusion programs or policies. At first glance, most private-sector employers might not be concerned. But dig deeper, and the order reveals more.

It’s crucial for HR to educate teen workers about your anti-harassment policies and work rules before they begin work.

The best way to win an employee lawsuit is to prevent it in the first place. You’ll be able to head off many disputes by understanding what stirs workers up and makes them want to call a lawyer.

President Trump on Jan. 27 fired two Democrats from the EEOC and one from the National Labor Relations Board, leaving both agencies without a quorum and unable to conduct substantive business. The terminations were expected to trigger lawsuits that could make their way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

With a new president come changes in leadership at federal agencies. Here’s what’s new at the EEOC, NLRB and DOL.