Supporting Employees’ Right to Vote
With November elections just a month away, it is a good time for employers to review relevant policies and legal obligations for employees who seek time off to vote or otherwise participate in the election process. Under Wisconsin law, upon the request of an employee, employers must provide employees who are eligible to vote in […]
Encourage Employees to Use Their PTO
It’s Good for Them – and Good for Your Organization Paid Time Off policies are designed to provide employees time away from work to recharge, take care of their own well-being, and support loved ones during times of need, yet so often employees do not use all their earned time. According to a Pew Research […]
Updated EEOC Guidelines on Workplace Harassment
On April 29, 2024, the Equal Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) released its latest Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace (the “Guidance”). The Guidance updates prior EEOC guidelines on: (1) legally protected characteristics; (2) how harassment must affect a “term, condition, or privilege of employment;” (3) and standards for establishing liability. Although the EEOC Guidance does not […]
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 […]
Coaching Employees Through Interpersonal Differences
Since the pandemic, many employers have experienced a rise in the number of interpersonal disputes among employees. These conflicts may reflect long-standing friction that went dormant during COVID, employees out-of-practice at making small talk by the proverbial water cooler, or employees no longer willing to tolerate an aggravating co-worker or demanding boss. Lake Effect has […]
CDC Updates COVID-19 Guidance
On August 11, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control provided a new Summary of Guidance for Minimizing the Impact of COVID-19 as well as updated guidance regarding isolation.
COVID-19’S Continuing Workplace Impact: EEOC Revises Pandemic Guidance Again
On July 12, 2022, the EEOC issued updated COVID-19 guidance for employers, reflecting the ever-changing but persistent impact of the virus on the workplace. Key updates include the following: Workplace COVID-19 testing Previously, employers could require COVID-19 testing (although it is a medical exam under the ADA) because the EEOC recognized that a person with […]
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, […]
Updated OSHA Guidance to Continue Workplace Health and Safety Measures
On August 13, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its guidance for all employers to reflect the CDC’s July 27, 2021 recommendations on masks and testing for fully-vaccinated individuals. As with the prior guidance on COVID-19, this updated OSHA guidance is not a standard or regulation and creates no new legal obligations. […]
