The Gig Economy - Implications for Businesses References to the "Gig Economy" are becoming increasingly frequent these days. And for good reason. According to the Freelancers Union, 53 million Americans now identify themselves as freelancers, 34% of the workforce[1]. According to a study by Intuit, the freelance workforce will grow even further to ...

With the election of Donald Trump to the presidency, businesses can expect a number of changes that may impact human resources. We looked at Donald Trump's campaign promises and proposals to see which ones will have the most direct and immediate effect on the workplace, if adopted. While we recognize that campaign promises are just that, here ...

Going Local While the Trump administration is certain to be making changes going forward that will impact HR and employment practices; today's most significant HR trends are coming increasingly from the state and local level. Employers are already facing a proliferation of new and expanded employment regulations and requirements across the country....

It's Fun, Fun, Fun - Until It's Not! We usually begin the joyful season of December by anticipating fun holiday parties and other seasonal festivities. This year, however, at company holiday parties around the country, it is likely that the sexual assault and/or harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein, Charlie Rose, Kevin Spacey, Matt Lauer...

With the new year comes new employment laws. While the Trump administration hasn't demonstrated an eagerness to add to current employment laws and regulations, several states and cities have done so.  Over 22 states have new employment laws going into effect in 2018. It can be difficult for employers to keep up with them all, but here are some...

As Spring is fast approaching, so is the race to hire interns for the summer season. As companies work through their internship budgets, there may be good news from the Department of Labor (DOL) due to updated guidance on internship programs the department issued in January 2018. {rsmembership id="1,7,9,10"} Previously, courts used a six-factor tes...

New York now joins California, Connecticut, and Maine in mandating that employers provide very specific and detailed sexual harassment policies to their employees and rigorous training for their supervisors in an effort to prevent sexual harassment before it occurs in the workplace.  {rsmembership id="1,7,9,10"} Recent amendments to the NYS Hu...

On May 21, 2018, in a 5-4 majority decision in Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis, No. 16-285, the U.S. Supreme Court found class action waivers in arbitration agreements to be valid and enforceable, settling a long-standing split among federal courts of appeals.  {rsmembership id="1,7,9,10"}  The decision broadly affirms that class action waive...

Back in May we alerted you to recent amendments to the NYS Human Rights Law that required all NYS employers to adopt and distribute a sexual harassment prevention policy that meets or exceeds certain minimum standards by October 9, 2018. Employers were also required to provide compliant sexual harassment training to all employees by that same date,...

Why Your Current Drug and Alcohol Policy May Have Gone to Pot For employers that already have a Drug and Alcohol Policy, the following language should be very familiar: Employees should report to work fit for duty and free of any adverse effects of illegal drugs or alcohol. This policy does not prohibit employees from the lawful use and possession ...

It's hard to believe that Election Day is just around the corner again! Despite the fact that the polls in many states are open for at least 12 hours (or more) on election days, and that some states have extended the polling over several days and/or have mail-in ballots for the election, many employers will still be asked by their employees if they...

Tis the Season for .... fun holiday parties and other seasonal festivities!While holiday festivities can be fun, there is little question that conduct that can be perceived as harmful occurs at company holiday parties every year. Now is the time to consider what you should be doing before this year's holiday party in order to get ahead of this issu...

Stop making resolutions and instead make 5 HR Commitments in 2020.Based on HR trends that Excelerator® has tracked, here are 5 commitments your company should consider making in 2020: {rsmembership id="1,7,9,10"} 1. Get a big-picture idea of the year ahead This is an important commitment, and it takes less time than you think. Calendar important da...

Employers are utilizing biometrics to identify employees and track hours worked. However, unlike other methods of authentication such as passwords, biometric identifiers may not easily be changed once compromised. Employers that use biometrics need to be aware of regulations such as the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). Similar sta...

With the election of Joe Biden to the presidency, businesses can expect a number of changes that may impact human resources. We looked at President Biden's proposals to see which ones will have the most direct and immediate effect on the workplace if adopted. While we recognize that proposals are just that, here are some areas for organizations to ...

If you have employees, an employee handbook is a critical part of your business. It will establish and communicate your company's mission, values and policies to your employees and provide the company with an invaluable level of legal protection. But a high quality handbook can do much more than that. It can play a key part in defining the company'...

Success Means Growth  Startup companies are legitimately focused on the immediate needs of developing their brand and expanding a client base. As revenues increase, company founders and leadership can become time-starved and overwhelmed with managing their new business. That's when they realize they need more help. They have now reached the ex...