Potential Pitfalls of BYOD Policies
With the tremendous growth in ownership of personal technology, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies are more common in the workplace today than ever before. While it is possible for a company to operate effectively while allowing their employees to use their personal computers and phones for work, it is vital to consider the potential pitfalls that […]
Texas Workers’ Compensation Essentials
What Employers Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation in Texas Each state has its own workers’ compensation laws, and Texas is no exception. Workers’ compensation laws are designed to aid workers who are injured at work with their medical bills and other damages incurred as a result of the accident. Below is a brief overview […]
SCOTUS Decision on Class Action vs. Arbitration
Understanding the Supreme Court Decision on Class Action Arbitration Agreements, Epic Systems v. Lewis On May 21, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in a landmark case, Epic Systems v. Lewis, that individual arbitration clauses between employers and employees must be enforced, thus making it more difficult for employees to file class action lawsuits. This […]
Most Misunderstood COBRA Components
As workforces evolve, it is imperative for employers to stay abreast of fluctuating healthcare mandates, and changes in employment law as they are introduced. Signed into law by President Reagan in 1985 and effective April 7, 1986, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) establishes insurance continuity for workers paying premiums under group policies. […]
USERRA & Employer Compliance Requirements
Servicemen and women are often called away from their place of employment to deploy overseas, to engage in domestic military exercises, or to attend weekend training. Under USERRA, or Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, employers are required to honor the commitments of military personnel without prejudicial treatment upon their return. All […]
ADEA, OWBPA & Age Discrimination
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal law which forbids an employer (with 20 or more employees) from discriminating against employees aged 40 and over on the basis of age. The Act covers discrimination “in any aspect of employment” including hiring, promotions, pay, benefits, training, job assignment, layoffs and firing. Employers should […]
Understanding Employment At Will
Texas employment law states that workers in the Lone Star State are employed at will. This means that, unless prevented by statute or an express agreement (e.g. an employment contract), an employer may terminate the relationship with an employee at any time and for any reason, without having to provide justification. Absent a few limited […]
Creating a Workplace Mobile Phone Usage Policy
Operating a business in the digital age means accommodating personal technologies such as cell phones, which can be helpful tools in the workplace, particularly in some industries. Mobile phones, when properly used can keep employers more connected to their employees and spark innovations. They can also, however, pose as significant sources of distraction and lost […]
Avoiding Common FMLA Mistakes
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires that covered employers give their employees up to 12 weeks per year of job-protected, unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons. The employee has access to the same group insurance while on leave that he or she would have if still at work. Due to the […]
Handling Employee Misconduct & Discipline
Handling Workplace Misconduct and Employee Disciplinary Action From time to time, employees will engage in conduct that is unsuitable in the workplace. In order to address conduct that is inappropriate, offensive, or dangerous, companies often create a procedure to correct employee misconduct and to address employee discipline. Plans of this nature serve to not only […]
