Tag: Harassment

NLRB General Counsel issues guidance on lawful handbook policies

by Lisa Berg Nonunion employers often believe they don’t have to worry about decisions from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Well, think again! On March 15, 2015, NLRB General Counsel Richard F. Griffin issued a 30-page memo (Memorandum GC 15-04) that provides guidance on handbook policies the NLRB considers unlawful. The memo focuses on […]

When Is an Employee Protected from Retaliation?

When Is an Employee Protected from Retaliation? Retaliation should never be a motivating factor for employers. While this statement may seem obvious, it’s all too easy for emotions and frustrations to cloud employers’ (and individual supervisors’ and managers’) judgment when something goes awry at the workplace. Unfortunately, it’s also easy to inadvertently appear to act […]

What is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?

We hear a lot about civil rights and nondiscrimination, and most HR professionals have at least a basic knowledge of employee nondiscrimination rights. But when it comes right down to it, what exactly is in Title VII? It’s probably the most commonly referenced law relating to nondiscrimination in the workplace, so it’s important to be […]

NPRM on Sex Discrimination—What Will Be Required?

Yesterday’s Advisor briefed readers on new guidelines (to be called regulations) on sex discrimination proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Today, more on the guidelines (to be called regulations) plus an interactive map indicating state laws on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Today’s Sexual Harassment Case: Elf v. Santa

In yesterday’s Advisor, Attorney Francis M. Drelling shared the story of a sexual harassment complaint in Santa’s workshop and how the company handled it so very ho ho horribly wrong; today, Drelling shares how the company should’ve handled the situation with this mall Santa.

Is Your Dress Code Legal?

Many businesses find it appropriate to implement a dress code to ensure that everyone within the organization dresses appropriately and to a companywide standard. But the way an individual chooses to dress is a very personal decision, and an employee’s choice of clothing is one that can involve many factors, including the cost of the […]

Combating Bullying in the Workplace

When we hear the word “bullying” we often think of school playgrounds, but bullying often continues to be a problem in adulthood—and even in the workplace. In fact, it can become a form of harassment when done in a discriminatory way.

harassment

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Quid Pro Quo Versus Hostile Work Environment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a topic often met with either a snicker or an eye roll—it brings to mind a culture where inappropriate jokes and gender-based comments are the norm. But the reality of sexual harassment is serious, and it happens every day in our workplaces. Often, it’s not as obvious as inappropriate […]