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Trump aims to help businesses with 2-for-1 regulatory plan

On January 30, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing federal agencies to cut two regulations for every new one issued during the current fiscal year (FY). The move is aimed at alleviating regulatory burdens on both small and large businesses, Trump said while signing the order. The order says that unless prohibited by […]

Nonsolicitation Agreements: Employer Who Sued To Enforce Agreement Ordered To Pay $1.3 Million To Former Employees

Flair Communications Agency in San Francisco asked for an injunction against three former employees, claiming they violated a nonsolicitation and trade secrets agreement by stealing the agency’s clients and setting up a rival promotional agency. Flair also sought $1.3 million in damages. But the tables were turned when the court denied the injunction—and instead awarded […]

No FMLA for Grandparents, and Other Timely Tips

“Don’t try to be a ‘we’re one big family’ company and allow FMLA for grandparents,” says attorney Beverly Garofalo. “It will come back to bite you every time.” Garofalo, managing partner of the Hartford office of national employment law firm Jackson Lewis, delivered her remarks at a recent seminar sponsored by workforce management software supplier […]

Fighting distraction at work: Must concentration fall victim to collaboration?

HR professionals devote a lot of energy to fostering efficiency, productivity, and employee engagement. But is the effort from HR a waste if office design makes it difficult or impossible for employees to concentrate?  Sometimes offices designed with collaboration in mind—large open spaces with few sound-and-sight-killing walls—also invite distraction. So the question becomes how can […]

Did Employer’s Overtime Policy Create Unworkable ‘Catch-22’?

By Lorene Novakowski and Derek Knoechel As was noted in an earlier article here, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently certified a class action against the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS). That lawsuit claims $300 million in unpaid overtime involving approximately 5,300 BNS sales staff: Fulawka v. Bank of Nova Scotia (Fulawka). Certification means […]

Escaping the ‘Incredible Pain’ of Retaliation

Retaliation cases are an “incredible pain,” says Michael Faillace. “They are the 21st century weapon for plaintiffs’ lawyers who have no case.” Retaliation claims are growing, notes Faillace, and it is no wonder—employees with baseless claims can make their retaliation claims stick. “You just don’t want to be in front of a jury on one […]

‘You’re Fired’—How to Say It Without Getting Sued

Terminations—they are never going to be an easy job, but no HR manager is going to go long without doing one. At least, says Attorney Julie Moore, you can do them without inviting lawsuits and in a way that makes it easier on you and the employee. Moore’s suggestions for handling the termination talk came […]

How Entrepreneurs Use Flexibility to Attract Top Talent

We talk a lot about the importance of thinking beyond salaries and bonuses to attract top talent. Employees want to have top-notch benefits, as well as a comfortable, friendly work environment. Part of that includes flexibility, such as working from home, generous paid time off (PTO), and more.