By Mike O’Brien The EEOC recently released updated guidance on the intersection between COVID-19 and major federal employment laws. In particular, the agency explained that COVID-19 may be considered an ADA-protected disability in certain cases. While mild or asymptomatic cases of the illness do not constitute an ADA-protected disability, other more severe cases, including … [Read more...] about EEOC updates guidance related to COVID-19 and ADA
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Spring a pop quiz for your training program
By Doug Striker Remember tests in school? Pop tests? Quizzes? And the dreaded finals? As students, they were the bane of our existence. As trainers, however, we need to test ourselves and our programs constantly. If they aren’t working, our firms may fall behind. And that is a big deal. It is critical that you know how to evaluate your training program. (I know our teachers … [Read more...] about Spring a pop quiz for your training program
5 steps to take after you lose out on a promotion
By Lynne Curry You put your blood, sweat and heart into your job and this office. When a promotion came open, you thought it was yours. Except it wasn’t—you were passed over. If this has happened and you want the next promotion, or simply to be able to stand remaining in your job and at this office, take these five steps. Use your upset You can use your upset … [Read more...] about 5 steps to take after you lose out on a promotion
6 things to do when remote workers want to move to another state
By Mike O'Brien Is it a problem for a law office suddenly to have an unplanned, unexpected, and perhaps undesired branch office when an employee moves to another state? Yes! The United States has a national government, state governments, and local governments. They each have powers over employers and make laws that typically apply to and protect people subject to the various … [Read more...] about 6 things to do when remote workers want to move to another state
Where we are on vaccines and masks in the workplace
Vaccine roundup The Biden Administration, through Executive Orders and various agencies, has adopted four separate vaccine mandates for (1) employers with 100+ employees (the OSHA ETS), (2) federal contractors, (3) federal employees and onsite contractors, and (4) healthcare employers who receive Medicaid or Medicare reimbursements (the CMS mandate). Except for the CMS … [Read more...] about Where we are on vaccines and masks in the workplace
4 components of effective succession planning
By Brenda Barnes Woody Allen’s famous quip, “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying,” perfectly expresses the kind of wishful thinking that often gets in the way of preparing for the future. A huge wave of baby boomers has been pushing through the workforce and is now at retirement age or within sight of retirement. … [Read more...] about 4 components of effective succession planning
Survey: Law students need more skills to be ready for practice
A recent survey by Bloomberg Law offers insights on law students’ preparedness for practice. Bloomberg asked over 1,000 practicing attorneys, law school students, faculty, and librarians about the skills needed for practice and how well law schools prepared individuals to enter the legal profession. Responses indicate that new attorneys would benefit from having more skills … [Read more...] about Survey: Law students need more skills to be ready for practice
4 ways to prioritize staff mental health
Mental distress has long been a hidden issue in the workplace. Employees are often unaware of the resources—if any—available to help them, while employers may be unaware of the effects mental distress has on safety and their bottom lines. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has brought this issue to the forefront for many employers. Over 40% of Americans report experiencing … [Read more...] about 4 ways to prioritize staff mental health
OSHA emergency vaccine mandate withdrawn and forced arbitration may end for workplace sexual harassment
By Mike O’Brien After a recent United States Supreme Court decision prohibited it, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officially announced the withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccination and testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), effective Jan. 26, 2022. According to The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), “OSHA’s withdrawal of its COVID-19 … [Read more...] about OSHA emergency vaccine mandate withdrawn and forced arbitration may end for workplace sexual harassment
Win a promotion, lose a friend
By Lynne Curry Question: When I started with my current office, I met and bonded with a coworker. We were hired at the same time and shared similar interests. We ate lunch together two to three times a week and went camping together. Three months ago, I got promoted. I now supervise her and other former coworkers. She and I went out for a celebratory lunch. It was horrible, … [Read more...] about Win a promotion, lose a friend