Q: I retired earlier this year, but I'm starting a consulting business as a sole proprietor. In my line of work, I'll need to use subcontractors. But won't I be taxed in...
Issue: Courts won't look kindly on employers that OK an employee's FMLA leave but then change their minds. Risk: In such cases, courts could grant FMLA rights even if...
On July 26, 2005, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrated its 15th birthday. Since it’s inception, it has been referred to as the most comprehensive...
Issue: Some courts consider agreements—signed or unsigned—legally binding contracts.Risk: A promise by one of your managers during a phone conversation could...
Good news: Managing employees out on sick leave and spotting FMLA abuse just got easier. As a recent court ruling shows, you can call and check on employees to make ...
When defending an employment lawsuit, be careful about authorizing your attorneys to use exceedingly aggressive tactics. If your lawyer goes overboard, you may end up...
Last year's overtime regulations prompted many retail-industry employers to review their compensation structures. But, as the case below shows, if you're a retailer and...
As if there weren't enough complications when co-workers are paramours, here's another: Those who aren't part of the love affair feel slighted when the bedded ones are...
Don't allow discrimination to continue at your workplace simply because the "discriminator" and "discriminatee" are in the same racial minority. Just as supervisors over...
Issue: Gaining more value from your exit interviews. Risk: Intelligence gathered often falls into a "black hole," so mistakes are repeated and legal land mines are...
THE LAW. The U.S. Labor Depart-ment and each state government require employers to post certain employment-law information that ex-plains employees' rights and...
Supervisors may naturally feel more comfortable with employees from one gender or the other. But, as a new court ruling shows, it's important to counsel supervisors...
When training supervisors, stress that they must work harder to prevent workplace intolerance toward employees with physical or mental impairments. Reason: More courts...
Issue: Some supervisors think about FMLA only if an employee explicitly says "I need FMLA leave." Risk: In reality, employees don't need to use the term "FMLA." Failing...
Issue: Can you terminate, or refuse to hire, people based on their impact to your health plan? Risk: Employees have two paths to sue you for such cost-trimming...
Say you have an employee who complains that certain workplace smells make him or her sick. If the employee asks for an accommodation to block out the offending odors,...
When employees take medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you can require them to give you a doctor's certification that confirms the medical...
Don't treat temporary workers like second-class citizens when it comes to complying with employment laws. Contrary to popular belief, your organization isn't protected...
When employees are covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or military-leave laws, you're not allowed to count their legally protected absences in any...
