The gig economy is the future of the workforce, right? Or is it an old concept with a modern twist? After all, using workers on a “freelance” or “independent contractor” basis is not a new idea. Whether old or new, there are...more
In the #MeToo era, accusations of workplace misconduct must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. A good investigation can result in effective resolution of a harassment complaint, winning an unemployment claim, and...more
Our increasingly connected world presents tremendous opportunities for employers as well as considerable confusion and risk. Should you Google a job applicant? Allowing employees to use their own mobile devices for work...more
Effective April 6, 2020, Missouri implemented an order directing residents to stay at home to combat the spread of COVID-19. The order instructs individuals to stay at home except to work, access necessities like food,...more
President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act into law on March 27, 2020. Among other things, this act offers loans to businesses affected by the coronavirus and expands unemployment insurance...more
As the coronavirus continues to upend businesses, many employers are scrambling to figure out the logistics of the digital workplace and navigate the legal issues that can arise when employees work from home. For employers...more
What does the Families First Coronavirus Response Act mean to employers? What federal agencies have issued guidance? Are there state- and locale-specific orders in place related to the coronavirus? Finally, what do employers...more
Can an employer take an employee’s temperature at work? Would an employee with coronavirus qualify for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act? If companies prevent employees from working at the office and require them...more
Illinois ended the old year and started the new with a bang.
Numerous new workplace rules have taken effect, with more on the horizon. Here are some of the recent changes that employers with operations in Illinois will need...more
1/14/2020
/ Artificial Intelligence ,
Corporate Counsel ,
Drug Testing ,
Employee Training ,
Employer Liability Issues ,
Employment Policies ,
Hiring & Firing ,
Marijuana ,
Recreational Use ,
Salary/Wage History ,
Sexual Harassment ,
State and Local Government ,
State Labor Laws ,
Work Schedules
I adore online shopping. As a consumer, the convenience of buying gifts, clothes, and everyday essentials at 11 p.m. from my couch is priceless. However, being an online vendor is another, more complex matter. One of the many...more
The gig economy is the future of the workforce, right? Or is it an old concept with a modern twist? After all, using workers on a “freelance” or “independent contractor” basis is not a new idea. Whether old or new, there are...more
The increase was signed into law just minutes ago.
The Illinois House of Representatives voted last week to approve a bill that will phase in an increase to the state minimum wage, from the current $8.25 to $15 by 2025....more
With the coming holiday crunch season for retailers, unemployment claims are probably the last thing on your mind. But January is just around the corner, so here are some tips for effective handling of unemployment claims....more
NEWS & ANALYSIS -
Where no performance review has gone before -
By a show of hands, how many of you use annual performance reviews? And how many of you think that there must be a better way to manage your employees? If...more
If you haven’t heard of #MeToo, I can only assume you live under a rock. This viral hashtag has become a rallying point for people denouncing sexual harassment and assault, including everyone from Hollywood stars to your...more
Your company creates a vast amount of data every day. Information about profit margins, business plans, and employees – you name it, it’s probably on your system. But if you are faced with a class action lawsuit, do you have...more
Is password sharing a crime? It can be under the right circumstances, according to last week’s decision in United States v. Nosal. In Nosal, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the conviction of a former...more
7/15/2016
/ Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) ,
Confidential Information ,
Confidentiality Agreements ,
Corporate Counsel ,
Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) ,
Economic Espionage Act ,
Former Employee ,
Passwords ,
Trade Secrets ,
Unauthorized Access ,
US v Nosal
If you’re involved in a suit in federal court, then the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure apply to you. Rule 26(b) provides, among other things, that parties may obtain discovery regarding any non-privileged matter that is...more
NEWS & ANALYSIS -
Hiring 101 for Retail Employers -
Hiring good employees is a challenge, especially in the retail industry. But by following a few tips, you can make better decisions and reduce your risk of...more
E-discovery. If this word strikes terror into your heart, you are not alone. Already a formidable task, discovery became exponentially more onerous with the advent of modern technology. Instead of just looking through a file...more
The first time you learn of an employee’s complaint probably isn’t the day your company is served with a lawsuit. In most cases, the alleged victim complains to the company first. While an initial internal complaint provides...more
1/13/2016
/ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ,
Complaint Procedures ,
Corrective Actions ,
Department of Labor (DOL) ,
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ,
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) ,
Fair Pay Act ,
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) ,
Internal Investigations ,
Interviews ,
Over-Time ,
Retail Market ,
Sexual Harassment ,
Witness Statements
The Missouri Court of Appeals has struck down an arbitration agreement because it included a common clause requiring the employee to arbitrate all of her claims but did not require the company to arbitrate all of its claims....more