Category Archives: Employment Law
EEOC Issues New Documents on Specific Disabilities
We provide legal counsel and guidance to business clients on labor issues including employment, discipline and discrimination. In recent months, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued revised publications concerning protection from employer discrimination on several specific medical issues. The four topics revised and published by the EEOC in May discuss how certain physical… Read More »
Employee or Independent Contractor? Understanding Employee Job Classification
It is essential for any employer to understand the differences between an employee and an independent contractor. Employers have the following tax responsibilities with regard to each employee: Calculate and withhold income taxes Calculate and withhold Social Security and Medicare taxes The factors used by the IRS in determining whether an employee is an… Read More »
Reasonable Accommodation Basics for the Disabled
Reasonable accommodation is one of the most complicated concepts businesses must contend with under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unfortunately, this complexity means that even well-meaning employers can find themselves facing substantial civil liability for misunderstanding the full scope and effect of this important provision. But the concept of reasonable accommodation also has limits… Read More »
Things to Avoid When Conducting Employee Interviews
Conducting interviews in a manner that allows you to gain insights into potential new hires is already challenging. But asking the wrong questions in an in-person interview or on a job application can also open the door for legal issues. State and federal laws strictly prohibit discrimination in hiring based on: Race/color Religion Gender… Read More »
Why It Is Important to Document Employee Discipline
Most employers and HR professionals do not enjoy disciplining employees. But, unfortunately, it is an important part of promoting quality and productivity. And while it may be tempting to offer employees second chances, it can create liability issues for your company if it makes your disciplinary policies appear arbitrary or, even worse, nonexistent. Uniform… Read More »
Interacting with Employees Who Have Filed Claims Against You
Many employers find it awkward and uncomfortable when they receive notice that a current employee has lodged an employment law complaint against them. This is especially true in smaller companies where employers have more personal relationships with their employees. Some employers unwisely take it personally. Others become overly tentative in their dealings with the… Read More »
How Your Business Benefits From Uniform Employee Policies
Especially in recent years, many employers have trended toward running more casual workplaces. And while there can be certain benefits to this approach — especially for small businesses — it also presents numerous risks and complications. Employers must take these into account when choosing this type of management style. Even if employers do choose… Read More »
Does the ADA Require Employers to Accommodate Employees Who Suffer from Alcoholism?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits employer discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities who can otherwise perform the essential functions of their jobs. But we usually think of disabilities as things like paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, or speech defects — conditions entirely… Read More »
Phased Retirement: Is It Right For You and Your Company?
A recent article in the Washington Post discusses the likelihood of phased retirement becoming more prevalent in the Washington, DC area over the next few years. As large numbers of baby boomers “age out” of the traditional full-time workforce, employers and employees alike must consider whether and how to retire. Phased retirement — a… Read More »
Creating a Discrimination-Free Workplace
Creating a discrimination-free workplace means more than just avoiding harassment and wrongful termination lawsuits. Employees who feel valued and judged based on their contributions work more productively. Additionally, workers who feel that they have a safe and established way to communicate with superiors about problems with coworkers will help root out unethical or illegal… Read More »
