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Massachusetts

Earned Sick Time Law: Do Unions in Massachusetts Have to Comply?

After Massachusetts voters approved the Earned Sick Time Law (ESTL) referendum in 2014, a group of construction industry employers filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to declare that the new law couldn’t be enforced against them because they are parties to collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with unions. So far, the courts have replied that […]

Ask the Expert: Can We Adjust Time Cards for Waiting Time?

Question: My employer uses a “4 -minute rule,” meaning that our employees have an 8-minute window (4 before and 4 after their scheduled time to clock in) without changes being made to their time cards. We do this because there’s a line waiting to clock in. However, for those who are more than the 4 […]

micromanage

Why Micromanaging Is Bad for Morale

Utter the term “micromanagement,” and you’re sure to elicit negative feelings from anyone within earshot, as the term has a firmly entrenched negative connotation. But many managers, though understanding the aversion, may not truly understand why it’s bad to closely monitor and direct the work of subordinates.

Canadian Employers May Be Obligated to Provide References

by Stephen Acker and Christopher Ferguson Letters of reference are understandably important to employees. For many employees, they are considered essential rather than a hopeful add-on to an application. A glowing letter of reference from a trusted source can sometimes tip the balance and lead to a hire. A bad or withheld letter, or one […]

EEO Investigations: 6 Killer Mistakes

With EEO investigations, says attorney Jonathan Segal, whatever you do, someone’s going to be unhappy. Either you didn’t investigate hard enough or you investigated too hard. Here are 6 common investigation errors that Segal sees all too often. When it comes to EEO investigations, attorney Jonathan Segal has seen it all, and much of what […]

COVID-19

3 COVID-19 Lessons to Help Us Prepare for a Better 2021

From the rapid shutdown of the workplace, to the gradual return to the office, to the day-by-day challenges of coping with stress and dealing with guidance updates, COVID-19 has certainly kept me on my toes. Here are some reflections on when the virus became reality, where it has taken us this past year, and how […]

gig

Gig Economy Trends You Need to Know About

The gig economy is beginning to take over the modern-day workforce. Over half of U.S.-based businesses already rely on freelance workers or contractors, and most Millennials and members of Generation Z desire flexible or remote work arrangements.

Workplace Words of Wisdom from Ted Lasso

They got me. I resisted as long as I could. Over the past year, numerous friends told me I should be watching Ted Lasso, extolling the virtues of this new show airing on Apple® TV+. I wasn’t interested. Frankly, I’m not big into soccer. (Sorry to all the soccer fans out there.) Also, while I […]