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How to Make Smart Hiring Decisions in a Tight Labor Market

A tight labor market typically means that unemployment numbers are low and that employers will be fighting over a smaller pool of candidates to fill open positions. While those conditions are currently present in the “Gig Economy,” the shifting nature of employment and the pressure on workers to remain upwardly mobile have changed the way […]

Rethinking Disability Hiring Practices in the Economic Aftermath of COVID-19

The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows there are currently 8.1 million job openings. After record-high unemployment rates, that number should be a positive indicator of recovery, but it could create problems for employers if those jobs remain unfilled. HR professionals have pulled out all the stops to attract talent, yet […]

Shutdowns, Furloughs and Weather Delays—Wage/Hour Minefields

Business Shutdowns and Furloughs It should be no surprise that many employers have sought creative work arrangements in order to weather bleak times without resorting to morale-killing layoffs. Furloughs, temporary shutdowns, and reduced-hour schedules are common workplace solutions. However, the intricacies of the FLSA make these solutions tricky. The salary basis test is not satisfied […]

Ask the Expert: When Do Employees Qualify for Pregnancy Accommodations?

Question: Do employees have to be employed for 12 months or work 1,250 hours to qualify for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), or do they qualify as soon as they begin employment? Answer: The PWFA applies to employees as soon as they begin employment, and it also applies to applicants. Under the federal PWFA, […]

‘Could’ Versus ‘Would’ Is Important Difference in Fiduciary Acts, 4th Circuit Says in Tatum

An appeals court decision coming on the heels of a recent Supreme Court stripping the presumption of prudence for fiduciaries may raise the stakes even higher for plan sponsors. A panel of judges in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals required that fiduciaries make a decision about company stock in their retirement plan based […]

Artificial Intelligence Use Continues to Rise in Employment

As 2023 wound down, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by employers showed no sign of slowing down. Rather, you should prepare for an increased use and presence of AI in employment decision-making, as well as employee engagement. Intersection of Technology and Employment Law Throughout 2023, an increasing number of states and cities began limiting the […]

Race Harassment: Workplace Permeated By Slurs And Graffiti, Employee Charges; Prevent Lawsuits With A Strong Antiharassment Program

A new Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal ruling highlights how critical it is for employers to take all necessary steps to prevent racial harassment in the workplace and to stop such misconduct when it occurs. We’ll recount what happened and suggest how you can set up an effective antiharassment program.

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Automation Could Ultimately Create More Jobs than It Destroys

As technology continues to improve the way we work and live, it’s understandable to think that these “machines” will one day take over. However, unlike the Hollywood blockbuster movies would have you believe, machines aren’t taking over. In fact, automation is expected to double the number of open positions over the next decade.

HR Strategies for Ensuring Patient Data Privacy

According to an American Medical Association survey, “Nearly 75% of people are concerned about protecting the privacy of their health data.” It’s scary to think the wrong person could get ahold of such personal information and misuse it, but it’s happened. Data breaches have affected millions of patients, hence the hesitation to trust healthcare facilities […]