News

The Supreme Court agreed with a highly compensated employee who argued that because he was paid a daily rate, he wasn’t being paid on a salary basis. Now a federal appeals court has applied that logic to another employer.

It’s fine to hold managers to a higher standard of conduct than regular employees. While a subordinate might be excused for a minor rule breach, his supervisor could legitimately be disciplined for breaking the same rule. Just make sure your handbook outlines this greater expectation.

When unpleasant behavior comes to light, it’s important to step back and calmly analyze the facts. If the alleged acts aren’t pervasive or severe, it’s probably not actionable sexual harassment. Of course, you should still move to stop the behavior to prevent escalation.

Remind supervisors: Firing an employee while she is undergoing medical testing could easily trigger a lawsuit. Reason: It’s illegal to discriminate against an employee based on suspicions she might become ill or disabled in the future. That would amount to regarding her as disabled, which violates the ADA.

When young managers supervise older subordinates, the age differential can set up generational conflicts that cause legal trouble for employers. Those managers may be impatient for change and hold stereotypical views of what older workers can or cannot do. Prevent potential age bias claims by making sure all supervisors understand their responsibilities under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

An employee took a day of paid-time-off leave, but her supervisor called and texted several times to ask work-related questions. Does that time still count against her PTO bank, or should some of it be paid? Does it make a difference if they are an hourly employee or on salary?

Disciplinary and termination meetings are emotionally charged events that carry the potential for nasty words, hurt feelings and even legal troubles. You need to be prepared for anything, including employees who “let it all out” in long, loud tirades.

Most handbooks explain the kinds of employee misconduct that might warrant termination. However, it’s impossible to envision every situation that might add up to a firing offense. That’s OK. If an employee does or says something that clearly requires immediate discharge, don’t let the lack of a handbook policy stop you from acting.

A bipartisan group of members of Congress have introduced two pieces of legislation that would expand access to paid family leave. The product of two years of work by the House Paid Family Leave Working Group, the twin initiatives would facilitate federal support of state programs.

To protect the public from unlawful conduct, whistleblower laws make it illegal to retaliate against employees who complain to public agencies about employer actions that endanger the public or break the law.