CDC Updates Guidance
Throughout the COVID pandemic, Lake Effect has encouraged employers to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance regarding COVID isolation and return to work protocols to ensure individuals do not return to work prematurely or jeopardize the health and safety of others. On March 1, 2024, the CDC updated the isolation guidance for those […]
Review Your Handbooks Now
In the fall of 2023, we encouraged organizations to review their handbooks based on recent NLRB decisions focused on employees’ rights to engage in protected activity even in non-union settings. We are renewing that call – as several states have implemented new laws that could have a significant impact on handbooks and employment policies. For […]
New Test for Employee vs. Independent Contractor
As of March 11, 2024, the US Department of Labor (DOL) will return to the analysis it has historically used to classify workers, employing a six-factor balancing test.
Benefits Limits for 2024
2024 IRS limits for employee benefit plans, flex plans, and retirement plans.
Heed EEOC’s Proposed Guidance on Workplace Harassment
Heed EEOC’s Proposed Guidance on Workplace Harassment The EEOC has signaled an aggressive and expansive approach to employer liability for workplace harassment in its recently released Proposed Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace. Employers should respond proactively by reviewing their Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and practices, ensuring they have robust and effective complaint […]
Handbooks & Policies: Common Rules May Violate NLRA
Recent decisions by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have drastically altered the landscape for both unionized and non-unionized workplaces rendering many common workplace rules unlawful. Lake Effect previously reported on the NLRB’s enhanced scrutiny of confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-disparagement provisions in employee separation agreements and other employee communications. The NLRB continues to focus on […]
USCIS Releases New Form I-9
As promised, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a new Form I-9. Employers may continue to use the current Form I-9 through October 31, 2023, but must implement the new form after that date or face penalties. Please see Lake Effect’s prior blog for detailed information about the specific revisions made […]
Expect Revised I-9 Form August 1, 2023
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expected to publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, on August 1, 2023. Employers must begin using the new version of the Form I-9 by November 1, 2023. According to the USCIS announcement, the revised Form I-9 will: Reduce Sections 1 & 2 to […]
Employers Beware: Your Noncompete May Violate Federal Law
NLRB General Counsel: Most Noncompete Agreements Violate the NLRA Many employers require employees to sign noncompete agreements before, during, or upon separation from employment in an effort to prevent direct competition and protect business interests. This long-standing practice faces increasing resistance from state legislatures, as well as federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission. The […]
Remote Verification of Form I-9 Documents ending July 31, 2023
Employers need to inspect remotely verified Form I-9 documents in-person by August 30, 2023 As mentioned in previous blogs, employers with a remote workforce have been allowed to verify acceptable Form I-9 documents virtually rather than in person, dating back to the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and […]
