11th Circuit Court of Appeals Holds that a Cause of Action Exists for Retaliatory Hostile Work Environment

The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals (one of 11 courts that are one step below the U.S. Supreme Court) has concluded that an employee can pursue a claim where the employee was retaliated against by being required to work in a hostile environment.  This ruling has the effect of creating a new cause of […]

May an Employer Require Employees to be 100% Healed Before Returning from Medical Leave?

It may seem logical that an employer that is concerned about its employees’ health may require employees who have been out on medical or maternity leave to be fully healed before returning to work so as to protect against a re-injury.  But, such a requirement may give the employee a claim that the employer has […]

New EEOC Rules Address When an Employer Can Rely on a Criminal Background Check in Making a Hiring Decision

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has finally issued long-awaited guidelines for employers who wish to use the results of a criminal background check to make hiring decisions.  The guidelines are lengthy and convoluted, but some themes are clear. Before discussing the themes in the guidelines, it is important to understand why the EEOC cares […]

NLRB Suspends Posting Requirement Indefinitely

The National Labor Relations Board previously implemented a requirement that all employers – including non-union shops – must post a document advising employees of certain rights no later than April 30, 2012.  As a result of challenges to the posting requirement that are pending in the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals as well […]

What Are The Rules For Using Interns?

This is the time of year when students looking to explore a career interest or to gain experience are applying for unpaid summer internships.  As employers consider “hiring” interns, they should bear certain rules in mind in order to avoid running into problems with the U.S. Department of Labor or the IRS. It is easy […]

What to Expect from an Exit Interview

Employers should (but often don’t) conduct an exit interview every time an employee leaves – regardless of whether the employee has resigned voluntarily or been terminated involuntarily.  The exit interview can be beneficial for employer and employee alike, as is discussed below. Here is a list of what should occur at an exit interview, with […]