Oklahoma workers' comp 'opt out' law suffers legal blow

The Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission unanimously agreed that the alternative workplace benefit plans that some employers adopted are unconstitutional.

By Tom Starner • March 2, 2016

Expert offers a solid strategy for plan sponsors to stay compliant

67.2% of employee benefit plans investigated in the past fiscal year resulted in financial penalties or other corrective actions.

By Tom Starner • March 1, 2016

Zenefits to lay off 17% of workforce in order to 'grow in a controlled way'

It's part of new CEO David Sack's continued mission to 'refocus' the controversy-plagued tech company.

By Kathryn Moody • Feb. 26, 2016

Tip pooling is no longer allowed in seven states

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2011 DOL rule that says workplace tips are the property of employees who directly receive them from customers.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 26, 2016

How a new workplace app may make employers change their ways

Plans are in motion for a smartphone app that would give lower-paid workers an alternative path to reporting workplace health and safety issues.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 26, 2016

Did the Yelp firing cross the NLRA's 'concerted activity' line?

An employment lawyer says 'maybe.'

By Tom Starner • Feb. 25, 2016

Busted: DOL slams venture capital firm for misclassifying, not paying 'interns'

The Silicon Valley venture firm was caught by the DOL for using 'interns' in professional capacities.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 25, 2016

A warning shot: What startups can learn from the Zenefits debacle

A company can grow so fast it trips over itself. We spoke to the experts on how to avoid the compliance and cultural breakdowns that occur when growth outpaces expectations.

By Kathryn Moody • Feb. 25, 2016

Smoking surcharges on benefits require careful planning, execution

Charging an added healthcare premium fee on smokers can work, but employers who do it should tread carefully, according to experts. 

By Tom Starner • Feb. 23, 2016

Election 2016: The do's and don'ts of politics in the workplace

In this particularly contentious election year, keep afloat of the laws surrounding political involvement in the workplace.

By Kathryn Moody • Feb. 23, 2016

The complexity of compliance: New DOL regs may impact employers facing unionization

Pending DOL rule changes could turn simple legal advice regarding unionization into a reportable compliance scenario, according to an expert. 

By Tom Starner • Feb. 19, 2016

EEOC discrimination charges up 6% over last year

The agency's fiscal year tally of discrimination charges is up 6% this year, with retaliation once again the number one issue.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 18, 2016

Wal-Mart discrimination case could expand LGBT rights at work

If the case is successful, it could set a precedent that expands the definition of sex discrimination to include sexual orientation, Bloomberg reports.

By Kathryn Moody • Feb. 18, 2016

Scalia's legacy: The complex nature of his employment law decisions

Justice Antonin Scalia didn't always rule in favor of employers.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 17, 2016

Yahoo to expect intense scrutiny as it reduces its workforce

The tech company's employee review system is already under the microscope thanks to a recent lawsuit.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 16, 2016

Scalia's death may have major impact on employment cases

With Antonin Scalia's unexpected death, the employment law landscape could be altered for decades.  

By Tom Starner • Feb. 16, 2016

Why it may soon be time to take tipping out of the American workplace

Tipping is an American tradition, but one that causes much grief for harassed female workers.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 12, 2016

Valentine's Day: A good time to revisit office romance policy

Office romance can land an employer in legal hot water if ground rules are not established, according to a couple of legal experts.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 12, 2016

Litigation problems over Zika virus exposure limited for employers who give adequate warnings

Employers only need to follow world health and state department guidelines to protect themselves in court.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 9, 2016

Punishing employees who job hunt on FMLA leave is a bad idea, say experts

But even when not specified to FMLA leave, blocking employees from job searching while on any leave is "bad policy," the experts add.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 8, 2016

Firing of Muslims over prayer breaks could lead to EEOC complaint, says support group

A Milwaukee-area employer may end up testing federal law on accommodating employee rights to practice their religion in the workplace.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 5, 2016

Why noncompete contracts may be a risky employment strategy

A reporter was fired for not disclosing she had previously signed a noncompete with her last employer.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 5, 2016

When looking to accommodate employees, tread carefully, say legal experts

Employers should check in with employment counsel before innocently asking any potentially unlawful questions.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 3, 2016

No-show employee behaviors can indicate a deeper problem

Effective HR professionals should investigate why an employee behaves in such a way before deciding on discipline to remain compliant with the NLRA.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 2, 2016

EEOC is seeking comment on retaliation guidance

They will allow opinions until February 24.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 2, 2016