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Hypotheticals Can Render Restrictive Covenants Unenforceable

On July 14, 2022, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a former employee in a dispute over whether two uniquely worded restrictive covenants against him violated Wisconsin law. The case presents new considerations regarding what employers can and cannot include in noncompete clauses with severed employees.

Sticky Quips

Litigation value: $8.99 + tip for Michael’s “free” lunch, although Michael’s tort action for false imprisonment against Mr. Chu and the Chinese restaurant will more than cover it. From an employment liability perspective, it is probably a good thing for Dunder Mifflin/Sabre that Michael’s character is leaving the show soon. One suspects that his soon-to-be-rekindled relationship with […]

Matching Your Total Rewards to Your Talent

Start by taking a talent inventory, says Barton, who is chief operating officer of Willis North America Human Capital Practice. She made her suggestions at the recent SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition in Orlando. You might start by populating a chart such as this, she says: Then think about what you can offer to each […]

Getting management right: What’s HR’s role?

Few would argue that managers play a large role in attracting the best employees and keeping them engaged and productive. An effective manager keeps the team strong. The trick is learning how to improve managers and figuring out whether, or even if, the human resources department has any control over manager effectiveness.  Pete Smith, a […]

Is All Paid Time Off Considered “Vacation”?

California employers are familiar with the state law making “use it or lose it” vacation policies unlawful, so you must pay employees any unused, accrued vacation upon termination of employment. But what is a vacation policy? Is all paid time off considered “vacation”?

What the Election Tells Us About How Employers Should Support Worker and Family Health

As we process the results of our election, half of the United States is feeling euphoric, and half is despondent.  We are a fractured nation – that much is clear. We all need to reflect on the circumstances that have brought us to this place. Employers have an opportunity and obligation to consider their role as stewards […]

Best of Learning & Development 2023

At the end of the day, employees are a company’s biggest asset. Learning & Development initiatives are just one of many ways to help bring out your workers’ potential. LinkedIn found that 83% of organizations want to build a people-first culture, and 81% of L&D departments are helping to make that happen. As we near […]

advice

Ask the Expert: Handling Sick Leave Accrual for Multi-State Employees

Q         We have an employee who works at two of our locations in different states. Are they eligible to receive accrued sick leave under both state laws, and should they accrue leave separately based on each state’s requirements? Generally, the geographic location where the work is primarily performed dictates which state’s sick leave law applies. For […]

Reasonable Accommodations in Job Interviews

Question Are we required to provide American Sign Language (ASL) or English-language interpreters for candidates in job interviews? If so, who pays? Answer Not necessarily, but you are required to reasonably accommodate candidates with disabilities, including candidates who are deaf. Reasonable accommodations can include sign language interpreters but can also include written materials produced in […]