Employment law compliance in 2017: The year of delays and repeals

The Trump administration spent much of this year undoing Obama-era employment initiatives, and more rollbacks are on the horizon.

By Kate Tornone • Dec. 14, 2017

'Ephemeral messaging apps' emerge to protect against workplace data breaches

Such apps allow employees to have conversations that can be quickly and permanently destroyed, but data retention laws could limit the tools' use.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 13, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside the rapidly changing world of compliance

The HR landscape is ever-shifting, leaving compliance professionals to meet today’s requirements while keeping an eye on the future.

By HR Dive staff

UPDATE: DOL extends public comment period on rescission of FLSA tip pool rules

The Obama-era rules prohibited employers from redistributing gratuities to nontipped employees, even if all workers involved received minimum wage.

By Kate Tornone • Dec. 13, 2017

Q&A: Tips for avoiding holiday party liability

How do you mitigate the pitfalls that can result from workplace celebrations? Keith Markel, partner at Morrison Cohen LLP, explains.

By Keith Markel • Dec. 13, 2017

NLRB may rescind 'quickie election rule'

The Board is moving quickly on a number of items this week, trying to make use of a short-lived Republican majority.

By Kate Tornone • Dec. 13, 2017

When managing seasonal workers, your regular requirements still apply

Front-line managers must be trained in how to work with, engage, discipline and, if necessary, terminate seasonal workers.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 13, 2017

Workers claim Microsoft discriminated against women in pay, promotions

But a company spokesperson criticized the commissioned reports, saying researchers "mischaracterized" key data.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 12, 2017

Supreme Court won't decide whether federal law protects LGBT employees

The move leaves a split among the federal appeals courts, but experts say employers should still include LGBT workers in nondiscrimination policies.

By Kate Tornone • Dec. 11, 2017

Facebook shares its sexual harassment policy in bid for industry transparency

The policy states that excuses like "I didn't mean it that way" or "I was just joking" won't exempt behavior.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 11, 2017

Investors urge Amazon to add more women to the C-suite to curb sexual misconduct

Investment groups are increasingly using their influence to push for changes around equal pay and sexual harassment.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 8, 2017

Bipartisan bill would ban arbitration for sex discrimination claims

Lawmakers are taking aim at mechanisms that they say have allowed employers to keep sexual harassment claims quiet.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 8, 2017

A lack of a solid definition of sexual harassment has impeded progress, study says

The researchers believe that a public heath perspective is needed to find out more about aggressors' use of power in sexual harassment situations.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 7, 2017

Gig work growth is up, but where are the benefits?

Some freelance and contingent workers hold dangerous jobs, but they generally lack benefits like workers' comp and health insurance, advocates say.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 7, 2017

NLRB official signals changes on joint employment, workplace conduct rules

The agency's new general counsel has told staff that he'd like them to escalate cases in which the Board could overturn controversial Obama-era opinions.

By Kate Tornone • Dec. 6, 2017

Supreme Court declines to hear Houston case on same-sex benefits

Employers won't be getting any clarity on whether Obergefell decided "all marriage related matters," such as spousal employer benefits.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 6, 2017

Employer pays $25K for firing worker with bipolar disorder

A home healthcare company fired the employee the day after she requested leave to treat her disability, EEOC alleged.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett , Kate Tornone • Dec. 5, 2017

SCOTUS allows full enforcement of Trump's travel ban

Employers will need to work with affected employees and adjust business travel plans as necessary.

By Kathryn Moody • Dec. 5, 2017

ICE raid costs Chicago bakery 800 workers

The agency appears to be making good on its promise to increase site visits, and employers need to be ready.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 4, 2017

California Amazon warehouse worker alleges break time violations

The fulfillment center's vast size is part of the problem, the plaintiff noted, because it takes so long to walk to and from break areas.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 4, 2017

The HR Dive Awards for 2017

The 2017 awards recognize the industry’s top disruptors and innovators. These executives, companies, trends and breakthroughs are transforming the industry and shaping the future.

By Kathryn Moody , Ryan Golden , Kate Tornone • Dec. 4, 2017

Fail of the Year: Healthcare reform

The GOP had majorities in two houses. Employers were on board and ready for change. A vocal White House put the pressure on. So what happened?

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 4, 2017

Compliance Challenge of the Year: State and local laws

From 'ban the box' laws to paid leave requirements, employers continue to cite the patchwork of state and local laws as their biggest compliance headache. 

By Kate Tornone • Dec. 4, 2017

Meth use on the rise among US workers

Although the discussion on drug abuse in the workplace has rightfully been focused on the opioid epidemic, the rise in the use of methamphetamine and other drugs requires attention, too.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 1, 2017

Bill would mandate $48K overtime threshold

A legislative fix could put an end to the debate around DOL's authority to set an FLSA salary threshold.

By Kate Tornone • Dec. 1, 2017

Study: 70% of sexual harassers are under 40 and colleagues, not bosses

Importantly, the survey reveals that harassment may be present at all levels of an organization.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 1, 2017