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Federal government slowly redefining joint-employer doctrine

In recent years, business relationships have increased in complexity. So, among all the independent contractors, franchises, joint ventures, and internships, just who is an employee? And which company—or companies—is the employer? Federal and state regulators are taking a new look at those questions and responding with new interpretations and new regulations. The federal government, in […]

contractors

DOL Signals Return to Employer-Friendly Worker Classification Standards

Surging changes to workplace laws understandably have employers suffering from whiplash. Historically, employment laws have shifted when presidential administrations have changed. A May 1, 2025, announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) about its intended approach to the classification of individuals as independent contractors is a recent example. Background on Independent Contractors A number […]

How Effective Are Executive Coaching Programs?

Executive coaching programs are seen as being “very effective” by 26% of companies offering such programs and “somewhat effective” by 62% of companies, according to a recent national survey. In addition, 12% reported that their executive coaching programs are “ineffective,” according to the survey of 230 organizations by AMA Enterprise, a division of the American […]

Uniforms, Religious Garb, and Federal Law

Yesterday’s Advisor covered best practices for dress codes. Today, we continue with uniforms and religious accommodation, and introduce a new audio conference that will answer your specific questions about dress codes. May employers require employees to wear uniforms? In general, employers may require employees to wear uniforms, but employers that do have such a requirement […]

Recruit Your Best People Every Day (Your Competitors Are)

Many managers think retention is management’s problem, that it’s all about salary and benefits and perks. “There’s nothing I can do” they think. But studies show that in large measure, it’s what happens at the department and individual levels that makes the difference in retention. Reviews of exit interviews tend to back up this idea, […]

Emanuel nomination called chance to ‘rein in’ Obama-era NLRB

President Donald Trump’s latest pick for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is another signal that a “reining in” of the panel is on the way, according to attorneys who keep a close watch on the Board. On June 27, the White House announced that William J. Emanuel, an attorney with the large management-side law […]

A Cursed First Day

A.J. Clemente was in the national spotlight following his first day on NBC affiliate KFYR, a North Dakota station, after cursing at the anchor desk. While swearing isn’t uncommon in the workplace—a recent survey reported that half of the respondents admit to using profanity at work—letting f***** s*** slip on air got this anchor fired. […]

Getting Over the Hump: Why BLR Was Lucky Enough to Survive

From Dan: As a way to honor the individuals who have taught me critical life lessons about people and business, I’ve invited several to write guest columns to run in this space over the next few weeks. Today’s voice of experience once again is Robert L. Brady, the founder of Business and Legal Resources (BLR®). […]

Why the Trend Toward Variable Performance Pay?

Increasingly, employers are less averse to withholding merit increases for poor performers so they can afford to grant meaningful increases to better performers, says Morning, who is president of Teri Morning Enterprises in Carmel, Indiana. Morning made her suggestions during a recent webinar sponsored by BLR®. What is Variable Performance Pay? Variable performance pay aligns […]