Navigating the employment guidelines around the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) can be complex and require expert guidance. This is because the specifics of what constitutes a reasonable accommodation can vary depending ...

When it comes to harassment in the workplace, we all have a responsibility to recognize and address this type of behavior before it becomes a larger issue. In the past (think Mad Men era), it was not uncommon for occurrences of harassment to go unrep...

Today, there are more employers hiring remote workers than ever before.  For context, 4% of jobs were hiring for permanently remote positions before the pandemic.  Now, that number has rapidly grown to 36% by the end of 2022 (Kashyap, 2023)...

  Client Alert Covered employers must replace the “EEO is the Law” poster with the new “Know your Rights” poster and place it in a conspicuous location in the workplace where notices to applicants and employees are customarily posted.  &nbs...

The Department of Labor (DOL) announced plans on October 13, 2022, to make it harder for employers to classify workers as independent contractors under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Why it’s important for your business: The Facts Misclassifyi...

This Can Puncture Profits 4 Steps to Fortify Your Business   After taking a respite during the peak of the pandemic, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has exploded with new lawsuits on allegations of discrimination in the w...

The year 2020 has been unlike any other. COVID-19 concerns, coupled with current social, economic, and political climates have led to tense conversations and sometimes disrespectful workplace interactions. Political views and opinions on social justi...

  What does the OSHA ETS mean for your business? On November 5, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring all private employers with 100 or more employees to implement e...

Unemployment fraud is a growing issue for many employers in Texas. A form of identity theft, unemployment fraud occurs when an individual knowingly collects unemployment benefits using a social security number or other private information that does n...

The COVID-19 vaccine is a hot topic in the news right now, both inside and outside of the office. As an employer, there are many factors to consider when deciding if and how to incorporate the vaccine at your business. Before making a decision, we en...

New Sexual Harassment Laws Went Into Effect September 1Governor Greg Abbott signed two new bills in August, SB 45 and HB 21, which broaden protections for Texas employees who file sexual harassment claims. Both laws went into effect on Wednesday, Sep...

Texas Governor’s Executive OrderOn October 11, 2021,Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order (EO) GA-40 which states that “no entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination by any individual, including an employee or consumer, ...

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, employers continue to deal with unprecedented employment challenges. More often we are hearing a concern that many employees are requesting socially distant work accommodations based on their own concerns over under...

Governor Abbott recently lifted the mask mandate in Texas, which went into effect on Wednesday, March 10. Many employers have questions about how this affects their businesses and organizations.Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the ...

Last month, we sent out communication regarding initial information on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) after it was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.  A couple of key items of the ARP go into effect Thursday, April 1.Families Fir...

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recently posted some important updates regarding work search requirements for those collecting unemployment. The June 30th announcement states that it will delay the reinstatement of the work search requirement fo...

The answer to this question is both yes, and no. It’s important to note that there are six reasons you can qualify for Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL), part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): The employee is subject to a federal...

[caption id="attachment_5767" align="alignright" width="300"] Image courtesy of Texas Department of State Health Services website.The entire world is reacting to the spread of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus), and as a business owner, it can be diffi...

As business owners, the relentless headlines of COVID-19 are taking up almost all of our oxygen, making it difficult for us to catch our breath. The most important thing we can do as business owners to honor our employees is to ensure that the busine...

Essential Infrastructure Business is now being designated and has created somewhat of a paradox in our homes, businesses and community. Many employees want to or must stay at home to care for family or to self-quarantine while also being employed by ...