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DOL Gets a Slap or Two, but Litigation Threats Abound

The DOL has gotten a few “slapdowns” from the courts recently, but while that may make employers feel a little better, wage and hour problems are still a major threat. The agencies—and the attorneys—are looking at most employers, and, sooner or later, they’ll look at you. In her recent presentation at the Advanced Employment Issues […]

Looking for Results? Coaching Is the Right Tool

By Doug Upchurch Proper coaching of your team of employees is critical to good leadership—and also leads to great results. Doug Upchurch, learning innovation strategist for Insights Learning and Development, has tips for coaching to full effect.

Employee Benefits in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the Act). The Act provides employers with a variety of tools to enhance their employee benefit offerings. In this article, we will focus on the most intriguing opportunities for change by employers. Telehealth Is HSA-Safe Health savings accounts (HSAs) have […]

Q&A on PTO policies in California

Administering a new PTO policy can be tricky, especially in California where accrued vacation days are counted as accrued wages. It’s imperative to understand how PTO days are treated under the law. In a recent CER webinar, Dan Chammas talked about the differences between vacation policies and PTO policies. He then answered questions on avoiding […]

Why ‘Talent Scouts’ Trump Traditional Employee-Referral Programs

As you know, employee-referral programs (ERPs) tend to be one of the most effective recruiting strategies available to organizations—chiefly because they expand the applicant pool, identify candidates with precisely the right skills and values, and potentially reduce recruiting costs.

salary

Tips for Directly Hiring Remote Employees

The coronavirus crisis has forced organizations to try out remote work arrangements whenever possible, whether they were ready to do so or not. Some organizations had been doing this for years, and the transition was pretty simple. Others had been resistant to the idea but came around because it was the best option to continue […]

Determining Whether NDAs Are Enforceable in Sexual Harassment Cases

Like all good legal questions, the answer to whether a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) is enforceable in sexual harassment cases is “it depends.” An NDA or confidentiality agreement is a signed legal document that restricts one party from sharing certain information with others. In the 1940s, NDAs were originally used in maritime law, and in the […]

EEOC

Age Discrimination Claims Will Continue to Be Analyzed Using a ‘But-For’ Standard

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to all Ohio employers) affirmed summary judgment (dismissal without a trial) in favor of an employer and held claims filed under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) must continue to be judged using a “but-for” standard.

Exploring Ways to Deal With Backlash While Still Achieving DEI Goals

Not so long ago, employers enthusiastically touted their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. But then the backlash set in. A growing number of employers–bowing to pressure from people opposed to what they see as “woke” policies–are dismantling their programs or at least being low-key about them. So now, many employers are exploring how they […]