The Department of Labor recently released its final rule on worker classification (Independent Contractor vs. W2 employee). The rule returns to a six-factor test, which focuses on the totality of circumstances of the relationship between the worker and the employer. This is quite different from what had been in place in the last couple of […]
The IRS has released it’s annual optional standard mileage rates for 2024. The standard mileage rate is used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning January 1, 2024, the optional standard mileage rates are as follows: The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an […]
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) recently released their year-end litigation round up for its 2023 fiscal year and the results should put employers on high alert. In the period spanning October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023, the EEOC initiated 143 lawsuits against employers, marking a staggering 50% surge compared to the previous fiscal […]
The holidays have passed. Open enrollment is over. Year end is done. Fourth quarter is complete. Month end is in your rear-view mirror. The new year is in front of you, expansive and filled with promise. Then you remember that the OSHA posting has to go up soon, you need to hire 12 people before […]
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (Anderson v. KAR Global, dba Adesa Missouri LLC) ruled in favor of an employee’s discrimination and retaliation claims, highlighting the significance of the short timeframe between the employee’s accommodation request and subsequent termination. The court concluded that the brief 10-day interval was sufficient to establish causation in the […]
In the complex landscape of professional interactions, conflicts can arise that require thoughtful resolution. Arguments reminiscent of toddler tantrums may seem out of place in the workplace, yet unfortunately, phrases like “I don’t want to do that if she will be there” or “How come he gets all the good stuff?” are becoming more common. […]
Navigating the holidays is usually a challenge for HR departments and supervisors tasked with ensuring employees enjoy the festivities while maintaining productivity. The holiday season, known for its inherent stressors related to family gatherings and the quest for relaxation, requires a proactive approach from HR and management to safeguard employee well-being. HR teams grapple with […]
Handling requests for service animals in the workplace as reasonable accommodations can pose unique challenges for employers. The main reason being that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not provide any guidance as it relates to employment, making it a complex issue to navigate. The only time service animals are discussed under the ADA […]
On October 26, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) released a final rule greatly expanding the standard for determining joint employer status under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The final rule re-establishes the standard adopted under the Obama administration and is consistent with the pro-employee stance the NLRB has taken over the last […]
In today’s world it is common in many workplaces for employers to allow their employees to listen to music while at their desks, or even allow an employee to choose the music that plays throughout the entire workplace. However, a recent Ninth Circuit Court ruling underscores the necessity for employers to take additional steps to […]
