EEOC’s New COVID-19 Guidance: Employee Caregivers and Religious Exemptions
The EEOC recently revised its What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws guidance document to address two issues: the treatment of pandemic-related caregivers (Section I), and religious objections to the COVID-19 vaccine (Section L). With respect to pandemic-related caregivers, referring to employees who are caring for […]
Biden Administration Bans Arbitration of Workplace Sexual Harassment Claims
On March 4, 2022, President Biden signed ithe “Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act,” a new law banning mandatory arbitration for workplace sexual assault and sexual harassment claims. Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution outside of the court system. Many employment contracts broadly require employees to resolve claims against employers […]
CDC’s Latest Guidance: To Mask or Not Mask
On February 25, 2022 the CDC updated its masking guidance. The new recommendations are customized according to community risk. Each county across the US is designated “high,” “medium,” or “low” risk. “High” risk counties: residents are advised to mask indoors in public. “Medium” risk counties: residents should mask in some situations, including in high risk […]
Share the Love with Your Employees
It’s Valentine’s Day, the day we show a little extra love to those who are special to us. After the last two years, we all need a few more candy conversation hearts. Take a few moments today to take care of yourself and encourage your team to do the same. As we move through 2022, […]
I-9: Extension to Remote Validation
** Update December 2021** The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have extended the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9 until April 30, 2022. See our earlier blog for more information on how to obtain, remotely inspect, and retain copies of the identity and employment eligibility […]
Benefit Limits for 2022
Each year, the IRS sets new limits for employee benefits plans and retirement plans. Please see below for Lake Effect’s ready reference chart setting forth the Benefits Limits for the 2022 tax year. A PDF of this information can be downloaded here. 2021 2022 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Healthcare FSA max election (per year) […]
OSHA Issues COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard
On November 4, 2021, OSHA issued its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and a helpful FAQ detailing the federal mandatory vaccination and testing requirements for large employers across the country. The ETS is lengthy and detailed, but major highlights include the following: Who: The mandatory vaccination and testing requirements apply to US employers with at least 100 employees firm or […]
US Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Tipped Workers
On October 28, 2021, the US Department of Labor (DOL) issued its Final Rule on tipped workers, establishing when tipped employees can be paid less than the federal minimum wage, an issue that has been in a state of flux over the last several years. The Final Rule will take effect on December 28, 2021. […]
Provisions of Final Tip Pool Rule Effective November 23, 2021
The U.S. Department of Labor’s latest final tip pool rule provisions will take effect on November 23, 2021. For further discussion on other provisions of the final rule that were implemented in April 2021, please see Lake Effect’s prior blog on this topic. The following provisions of the final tip pool rule will take effect […]
Maintaining a Respectful Workplace Post-COVID
While some organizations have been on site through the pandemic, others have returned in recent months. Many others are planning a more robust employee return to office in the coming weeks. As more employees return to work in the office, employers may need to reestablish and remind employees about expectations of workplace conduct to foster […]
