Sexual harassment is a pervasive problem nationwide, and it happens in every industry. In the wake of the #metoo movement, employees have become more aware of their rights when it comes to sexual harassment in the workplace, and many workers have also become less...
Year: 2020
How can employment retaliation be prevented?
Employees who file complaints for things like harassment or discrimination often worry that they will face negative impacts at work because they spoke out against their employer. While this is a valid complaint, it’s imperative that employers and employees understand...
Should you ban employee dating?
Employee dating is common, to a large degree, because co-workers are the people that employees see most often. They may spend eight to 10 hours together every day. That’s far more than many see their friends or their own family members -- much less single people that...
Correctly categorize your California employees
Categorizing employees correctly under state and federal law can help businesses avoid serious legal sanctions. However, it can be challenging to understand whether a worker qualifies as an employee or an independent contractor. Review these factors to make sure you...
Sexual harassment victims often face retaliation, termination
You have a right to work in an environment where you do not experience harassment. However, research shows that you may face a high chance of retaliation or termination if you decide to speak out about experiencing sexual harassment in your place of business....
How Title VII will impact employers
The U.S Supreme Court ruled on Monday, June 15, 2020, that is it illegal for an employer to fire someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Those same individuals are now protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits workplace...
COVID-19 Guidelines: Employers and Employees
The coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic has changed the workplace for millions of people throughout the United States. For that reason, here at Watkins & Letofsky, we want to ensure that both employers and employees know their employment rights. We have prepared a set...
Hair-related discrimination violates California law
For business leaders, providing a consistent and welcoming environment is often an effective way to win over new customers and keep existing ones. While there is nothing inherently wrong with setting employee grooming standards, focusing on hairstyles may run afoul of...
Severance agreements, older employees and OWBP requirements
If the company you are leaving offers you a severance agreement as a departing employee aged 40 or older, the agreement must meet certain requirements. For example, severance agreements offered to older employees have to comply with the Older Workers Benefit...
What to consider before firing an employee
If you are considering firing one or multiple employees, you may be doing this for financial reasons or because you are not satisfied with these individuals' performance and their attitude to work. Firing an employee is never a pleasant experience. You may feel guilt...