Testing positive for cannabis is a ticket for termination under the kind of “zero tolerance” policy that has come to pervade the American workplace. But what if employees are medical cannabis patients? Situation Reggie Sturd, an employee of ABC Corporation, tests positive for marijuana. He denies using or being high at work and claims he has permission under the … [Read more...] about Can your law office employees be fired for using legal medical marijuana?
Compliance
Avoid these 3 deadly age discrimination traps
Age discrimination has become today’s big employment law issue. And it’s because people live longer than in the recent past and also work longer. Some do it by choice; others have seen their retirement funds obliterated and are forced to continue working. It’s yet another danger spot managers need to watch. The older job applicants and employees have … [Read more...] about Avoid these 3 deadly age discrimination traps
Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Although back-to-school season rolls around every year, it always seems to bring a level of stress for working parents. And is it any wonder? A new schedule and new commitments require finding ways to meet all the demands of daily life. For households with two working parents, it can be extremely difficult; and for single-parent households, even more so. It's easy for employers … [Read more...] about Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Model Tool: Client privacy policy
Why you need this policy: As with any other corporate website, law office websites collect and use personal information of site visitors, including "personally identifiable" information, i.e., names and other information that can be traced back to a specific individual. Such use and collection of personal information is subject to requirements under privacy laws. How this … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Client privacy policy
Employer Checklist: Affordable Care Act
Why you need this checklist: The numerous provisions and requirements of the ACA can be overwhelming for employers. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help you understand and manage employee benefits requirements. How to use this checklist: Refer to this checklist as needed to comply with ACA employee benefits requirements. … [Read more...] about Employer Checklist: Affordable Care Act
Model Tool: Three policies to accommodate medical marijuana
Why you need this tool: These three tools allow you to alter your zero tolerance policy to accommodate medical marijuana. How this tool helps you: You can choose the policy that fits your situation. How to use this tool: Choose the appropriate policy and distribute it in your workplace. … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Three policies to accommodate medical marijuana
Employee rules change dramatically with 50 and up
By Steve M. Cohen bio When it comes to sick leave in your office of 50 or more employees, you have to follow the doctor's orders regardless of whether or not you think the reason for the leave is justified. Because most office managers are so singularly focused on their firm, they are appalled to learn of all the limitations placed upon them by government rules and … [Read more...] about Employee rules change dramatically with 50 and up
How the Affordable Care Act affects your office policies and practices
You’ve heard a lot of talk about Obamacare, officially known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But do you know how how ACA affects your office as an employer? The ACA imposes new obligations on employers. Some of these are already in effect and are continuing obligations you should be satisfying, but others don't kick in until next year or later. Review our summary of the key … [Read more...] about How the Affordable Care Act affects your office policies and practices
Model Tool: Calendar control self-review checklist
Why you need this checklist: Failure to meet a deadline, such as a statute of limitations, and other related calendaring issues continue to be the cause of the majority of legal malpractice claims in the United States. Yet despite this risk, many law firms still do not have a proper calendaring system in place. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help you … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Calendar control self-review checklist
How to protect your practice against costly FLSA and EEOC claims
Do an HR audit at the start of each year Today's protection against tomorrow's employment law claims is a human resources audit. An audit is essential to keep the firm's employment processes accurate and current – and also followed, says Joseph Godwin, human resources consultant for F&H Solutions Group in Ashville, NC. The audit needs to be done every year, because with … [Read more...] about How to protect your practice against costly FLSA and EEOC claims