Limitations on Testing Employees for Marijuana Use
With the ever-evolving laws regarding marijuana use across the country, Texas employers may have questions about testing employees for use of the substance. While many states have legalized marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, Texas continues to ban its use except in extremely limited circumstances. Federal and state laws also give considerable latitude to employers […]
The Legality of Pre-Employment Medical Exams
As an employer, some roles within your company may require employees who meet certain health and medical criteria. Jobs that involve lifting heavy objects, manual labor, and other physical tasks mandate a certain type of employee, and even less labor-intensive tasks at your company may require a specific standard of health and wellness. As an […]
Can We Sue a Former Employee for Defamation?
The short answer is yes, but the real question at the end of the day is should an employer sue a former employee for defamation. If a former employee makes a false statement about his or her former employer publicly, the business owner (corporation, partnership, individual, etc.) could have the basis for a defamation […]
FMLA Key Employee Exception
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) enables eligible workers to receive unpaid job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. The Act requires that the employee’s health insurance coverage be maintained during the leave period under the same terms as if the worker had not taken leave. In accordance with the FMLA, workers are […]
Creating a Successful Workplace Diversity Program
Creating a successful workplace diversity and inclusion program can be quite a challenge. Considering all the factors involved, including age, gender, race, and sexual orientation, is what makes the endeavor so difficult. Consider the following important details to create the strongest diversity and inclusion program possible. Why Create a Diversity and Inclusion Program? There […]
Companies with Inaccessible Career Portals Facing ADA Litigation
Over the course of the last few months, members of Congress as well as state attorneys general have requested that (former) United States Attorney General Jeffrey Sessions provide further details about what requirements business websites and HR career portals must meet to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At the moment, it is […]
Play it Safe with Your Corporate Gift & Entertainment Policy
As you create workplace policies for your organization’s employee handbook, it’s important to include a section on entertainment and gifts. Corporate gifts and entertainment can be misused and misconstrued, placing your company in legal hot water. As you create the policy, it’s important to keep the following in mind: Keep Your Gifts Legal It […]
Texas Weapons at Work Policies
Thanks to legislation that went into effect in January of 2016, licensed gun owners in Texas are now allowed to carry weapons in holsters as long as those weapons are visible. This is an addition to an older law allowing for the concealed carry of weapons in the state with a license. Licenses were available […]
Texas Whistleblower Laws for Employers
Texas Whistleblower Laws To inspire workers to report financial, environmental, or safety violations made by their employers, the federal government enacted whistleblower laws designed to protect the reporting employee and punish the violating employer. Like many states, Texas adopted its own whistleblower laws to aid employees who wanted to report various violations not covered by […]
Employer Guidelines for the Exit Interview
While there is no law in Texas that requires an employer to conduct exit interviews for departing employees, many businesses do so anyway. The exit interview can provide valuable insights into the employee experience and can pave the way for a company’s future growth and improvement. The guidelines below are best practices for employers to […]
