Ver la versión en español aquí Vaccine passports seem to be the hot button issue of the day. Most of the media coverage and remarks from politicians have focused on businesses requiring customers, guests or students having proof of vaccination before returning to school or entering the business establishment. But what about employers? Can an … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí On March 8, President Biden issued an Executive Order (“EO”) On Establishment of the White House Gender Policy Council (the “Council”). The purpose of the Council is to promote gender equity and equality with the goal of advancing equal rights and opportunities regardless of one’s gender or gender identity. The … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working from home for an entire year. I almost cannot believe what I’m writing! And I know I’m not alone. In the midst of the pandemic, so many of us are working from home. And not just working from home, but a … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Finally, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use and are currently being shipped nationwide. COVID-19 vaccinations are a polarizing topic. Well-regarded medical professionals report that the vaccines are between 94-95% effective, have minimal side effects (which do not include … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Pre-COVID, employees could pop into the office supply closet for the ream of paper they needed to print that 50-page report, or the box of staples, pens and pack of tabs to refill their dwindling supply. Now, they may be buying office supplies as they work from home. In … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí With approximately 3.6 billon people expressing themselves using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and most recently, TikTok, employers have to ask themselves some important questions regarding their employees’ usage of these applications. Should employers set boundaries as to what they will or will not … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí For those employers who also have New York employees, heads up: a new leave law will apply to you starting this Wednesday. New York has enacted a state-wide, permanent sick leave law, separate and apart from the state’s COVID-19 Quarantine Leave Law. In an unusual twist, this state law … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí The Black Lives Matter (“BLM”) movement has sparked significant emotion in the past few months. As the NBA restarts the season, TV viewers will see the phrase emblazoned on the courts and on some players’ jerseys. What you won’t see on TV are the large employers which have faced … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Businesses often ask customers to sign a waiver before renting a Sea-Doo, zip-lining, tubing, or perhaps even so your child can bounce on a trampoline or in a bounce house. But can a business use a waiver to avoid liability if a customer contracts COVID-19 after visiting the business? … Continue Reading
Earlier this week, we hosted a “Back to Work Virtual Chat.” As businesses begin to re-open and adjust to the “new normal”, we hoped to provide employers, big or small, with guidance to help navigate through these unprecedented times. Our goal was to provide practical information (not legal advice) to help organizations address the various … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí While we are all busy thinking about ways to safeguard ourselves, our families, and our businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, let us not forget that hurricane season is just around the corner. It runs from June 1 through November 30. Unfortunately, NOAA has predicted a busy 2020 Atlantic hurricane … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Where did the 8 hour, 5 day work week come from? Ford Motor Company in 1914, but it was a long time coming. Before that, factories were open around-the-clock with employees working long days and 100 hour weeks. In the late 1880s, a labor movement started using a slogan … Continue Reading
Trying to juggle work and home? Wish you had a crystal ball to see the future “new normal” workplace? Wouldn’t you welcome some guidance on return to work issues? Problem solved – we know how to juggle and we have a crystal ball! We also can provide guidance on important workplace issues that HR and … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the majority of businesses to at least offer, if not require, work-from-home options for employees. Employers are now facing many challenges that come with maintaining the same level of productivity when employees are working remotely. Below are a few guidelines to help ensure that … Continue Reading
Dear Clients and Friends, These words just came out of my mouth, “I have extra toilet paper I can trade for some rice.” Yesterday, I wore gloves, a face mask and carried homemade alcohol wipes in order to go food shopping. How the world has changed in one month! So this will not come as … Continue Reading
The DOL has been working overtime attempting to clarify and answer questions on various aspects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). As we reported last week, the DOL issued its “Employee Rights” poster, along with initial guidance in the form of “Questions and Answers.” On Thursday night (March 26) and then again on Saturday evening … Continue Reading
Yesterday, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued the much-anticipated “Employee Rights” poster or notice concerning the Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave components of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Click here to access the poster. Along with the poster, the DOL provided some much needed guidance on various aspects of … Continue Reading
Statistics Updated October 27, 2020. On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced an official name for the disease that is causing the novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí You survived Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. Will you “survive” the office holiday party and the HR land mines it presents? Please don’t let anyone show up to the party dressed like this guy. What’s a party without alcohol, and what’s a law blog without a curmudgeon preaching … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí While having well written policies and procedures for employees is very important, these policies and procedures cannot cover every situation. Employers need to retain some flexibility. Non-negotiable rules can violate employment laws and result in very expensive claims. How expensive?… Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí If yes, they need to stop today. Why? Effective October 1, 2019, Florida drivers can use wireless communication devices (e.g., cell phones) only in a hands-free manner when driving in a designated school crossing, school zone, or work zone where construction personnel are present or operating equipment on the … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Last week, I had the pleasure of presenting at the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce’s IMPACT Series: A Seminar Series for Small Business. The audience was comprised of business and human resources professionals across several sectors. For those of you who were not able to attend the presentation, I … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí As an update to this post from April, New York recently became the second state to prohibit race discrimination based on hair bias. The bill, signed into law on July 12: Prohibits race discrimination based on natural hair or hairstyles; defines “race” for certain specific purposes to include, but … Continue Reading
Ver la versión en español aquí Coastal Industries, a Jacksonville, Florida employer, thought it had an employee handbook that was compliant with the dictates of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). After a NLRB review of its handbook, however, it got a rude awakening. Remember, the NLRB can find workplace policies to be unfair labor … Continue Reading
