Personnel Concepts

State, federal, and local laws prohibit harassment and discrimination of employees, job applicants, and visitors based on various protected characteristics. Meanwhile, multiple court decisions and agency guidance have clarified that employers must conduct a proper, thorough, and legally compliant investigation of harassment claims. Failure to appropriately respond to an internal harassment claim can result in a finding of employer liability during a harassment or discrimination lawsuit. To support employers in creating and following this essential process, WorkWise Compliance is partnering with a guest employment law attorney to address lawful workplace harassment investigation procedures. Time will also be allocated for a live Q&A session. Register today to attend our October 24 webinar! https://lnkd.in/g9CMVYuQ

On October 15, the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Solicitor of Labor released a Special Enforcement Report on workplace contract provisions. Specifically, U.S. Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda’s report announced that the agency would target seven specific employment-related contract provisions. The DOL believes these provisions are “coercive” and could discourage workers from exercising their rights under federal workplace laws. https://lnkd.in/gf_3rUh7 #employmentlaw #employers #hr #humanresources #dol #contracts #wageandhour #workermisclassification

On October 9th, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it filed 110 unlawful employment discrimination lawsuits. Specifically, those lawsuits were filed in fiscal year (FY) 2024 and emphasized emerging issues. The agency also filed these lawsuits to advance the employment rights of underserved and vulnerable workers. https://lnkd.in/gPTP822K #hr #humanresources #employmentlaw #employers #eeoc #discrimination #pwfa

On September 30, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new tool to assist employers in creating reasonable accommodations. The resource provides more than 700 ideas for accommodations for workers with disabilities and their employers. Known as the “Situations and Solutions Finder,” the tool offers examples of workplace reasonable accommodations. https://lnkd.in/gGZmHGjR #hr #humanresources #dol #employers #employmentlaw #reasonableaccommodations #disabilities

On September 24, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the publication of new AI hiring and recruitment requirements. Specifically called “AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework,” this new tool was designed to support the inclusive use of artificial intelligence (AI) in employers’ hiring technology. Additionally, the DOL believes the new resource will increase benefits for disabled job seekers. https://lnkd.in/gNcN7BCi #dol #AI #employmentlaw #employers #hr #humanresources #hiring

The Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced that a restaurant owner could be fined $1.87 million for wage & hour violations, including overtime damages. On September 18th, 2024, the federal agency filed suit for minimum wage and overtime regulations. Specifically, the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) found servers worked for tips only. Meanwhile, cooks were paid a set cash salary regardless of how many hours they worked. https://lnkd.in/gtKQSc73 #employmentlaw #employers #wageandhour #whd #overtime #hr #humanresources

On September 9th, 2024, three federal agencies issued final rules on substance use disorder care and mental health benefits. The Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury hope these rules clarify and strengthen protections to expand equitable access to these benefits. https://lnkd.in/gif98jB3 #employmentlaw #employers #hr #humanresources #mentalhealth #substanceabuse #workplacesafety #dol #hhs #treasury

On September 6, the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s ) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) announced updated benefit plan cybersecurity guidance. This guidance was created for all plan sponsors, fiduciaries, recordkeepers, and plan participants. Specifically, the direction includes best practices for maintaining cybersecurity, including tips on protecting worker retirement and health benefits. https://lnkd.in/gcQjFZiM #hr #humanresources #employmentlaw #employers #cybersecurity #dol #ebsa #erisa #retirement #benefits

On August 27, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that a Sorrento, Florida-based company will pay $1.6 million to settle a racial harassment case. Additionally, the lawsuit also included charges of national origin harassment and retaliation. https://lnkd.in/ggdQ3mGD #eeoc #eeo #harassment #retaliation #employers #employmentlaw #hr

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that a restaurant owner would be fined $1.3 million for wage & hour violations. Specifically, on August 22nd, 2024, the federal agency obtained a consent judgment for back wages, withheld tips, and liquidated damages. https://lnkd.in/gPU3rdir #employers #employmentlaw #humanresources #hr #dol #flsa #wages