News

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 51.6 million U.S adults, or 20.9% of the adult population, suffer from chronic pain. Of those, about 117.1 million, or 7.8%, suffer from what is characterized as high-impact chronic pain, which is so severe or persistent that it affects an individual’s daily life, including at work and home.

If you get an email that seems to be from your CEO requesting a list of employees and their Social Security numbers, watch out! It may be part of an elaborate phishing scheme in which con artists harvest employees’ personal data, use it to file fraudulent tax returns and then pocket income tax refunds.

A “microaggression” is a subtle, often unintentional comment or action that conveys bias or discrimination against a marginalized group. In the right circumstances, however, microaggressions can also amount to an adverse action that supports a workplace retaliation claim.

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.