Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to fundamentally disrupt the labor market, but not necessarily or always in the way most casual observers might assume. While AI and other technologies always have the potential to displace human workers, in many (if not most) cases, the motivation is actually to complement human […]
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has sued Novellus Systems, Inc., based in San Jose, charging that the company fired African-American employee Michael Cooke because he complained about having to listen to a co-worker’s rap music, which contained racially offensive lyrics. The lawsuit alleges that Cooke complained to his supervisors that a co-worker played […]
A final rule from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) means employers can expect a much tougher time justifying a worker’s status as an independent contractor—a fact that has big implications for the gig economy and has attorneys who advise employers urging caution. The final rule, announced on January 9 and scheduled to be published in […]
Yesterday’s Advisor featured attorney Susan Schoenfeld’s tips for reducing FMLA abuse and fraud; today, five strategies that work, plus an introduction to the guide we call The FMLA Bible.” Schoenfeld, a Senior Legal Editor for BLR’s human resources and employment law publications, offers five strategies for reducing FMLA abuse in your organization. 1. Make Training […]
by Christopher J. Pyles Apologies to Adele, but the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has whispered some words in my ear that tell a story employers won’t want to hear. People may say crazy things ― and the NLRB won’t let a “no-gossip” policy stop them. Pssst, did you hear? By now, most employers are […]
Like the captain of a ship, a leader sets the course or vision for their company. But how do you get others to follow your vision? Harder yet, how do you get others to be inspired by your vision?
Under the federal COBRA law, employees and their dependents who lose health insurance coverage because they’re terminated or for other reasons and who work for employers with 20 or more employees are generally entitled to a temporary extension of healthcare benefits. This typically runs up to 18 months but can be 29 months for certain […]
by Mark I. Schickman Anyone who has filled out EEO-1 forms knows the challenge of fitting humans into demographic boxes. People’s backgrounds and orientations often defy ready definition, leaving you to your best guess under the circumstances. Facebook has the same problem since checking demographic boxes can be confusing or challenging for users. It has […]
Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its much-anticipated decisions about the COVID-19 vaccine mandates issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for employers with at least 100 employees, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for healthcare workers. In a 6-3 decision, the Court reimposed a “stay” (or hold) on […]
Almost two years ago, in March 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued a Charge of Discrimination against Nike, alleging that aspects of the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) policies may have resulted in discrimination against white employees and job applicants. Most recently, in an escalation of its investigation, on February 4, 2026, the EEOC took the unusual step of filing a subpoena […]