The explosive growth in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated systems to help make employment decisions brings new dangers for employers. That message was a key theme at a recent Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) hearing that was designed to educate employers about the civil rights implications of using these technologies. In […]
Alaska’s highest court affirmed the denial of workers’ comp benefits for a school nurse who alleged that she suffered from PTSD after unsuccessful attempts to resuscitate a choking student. In 2014, an elementary school student ran into the school nurse’s office screaming because a child was choking on his lunch. The nurse ran to assist […]
The breadth of the FMLA’s ban on unlawful retaliation is demonstrated by a recent federal appeals court ruling. In the ruling, the court said a former employee can proceed with her retaliation claim under the statute even though she did not establish that she was entitled to take FMLA leave. The case involves Polina Milman, […]
Picture this: You make arrangements for new employee training that aligns with your company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. But one employee objects to the “woke” training and asks for an exemption on religious grounds. How do you properly balance the company’s DEI goals with an employee’s request for religious accommodation? That was one […]
Courts understand personal judgment calls play a role in deciding about a promotion. But here’s one key thing to remember: If you’re sued for bias, a court deciding if the candidate has a leg to stand on will likely want to hear exactly why you passed on them. In Campbell v. City of Trussville, an […]
You have found the best candidate for the job you’re filling, and your offer is accepted, but sometimes unpredictable things happen. For example: What if you need to rescind an offer of employment? What if a candidate starts before their background check is complete and they don’t meet the requirements of the job when the […]
A new resource document from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides valuable guidance relating to job applicants and employees with hearing disabilities. The guidance explains how employers can steer clear of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations and offers tips on providing reasonable job accommodations. In addition, it warns against making stereotypical assumptions about […]
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law that requires private companies in Illinois to provide workers with paid leave for any reason – with limited exceptions. The passage of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLFAW) makes Illinois the third state in the nation to pass such a law, signaling that the trend may be […]
As the opioid epidemic continues to take a grim toll, workplace issues relating to opioid use remain more likely to arise. For HR pros, missteps in handling these issues can result in hefty payouts. Here is a case in point: A Tennessee county just resolved an allegation that it illegally discriminated against a correctional officer […]
