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. […]
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 […]
Increased Fines for Not Posting Employment Posters
The federal government recently increased the fines employers may face for violating federal employment law posting requirements. Going forward, the potential posting fines are: Family and Medical Leave Act – $178 Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law – $13,653 Employee Polygraph Protection Act – $21,663 EEO is the Law – $576 Employers should also […]
Long Awaited OSHA Guidance to Continue Workplace Health and Safety Measures
On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) with a very narrow scope, focused on the healthcare industry. Fortunately, OSHA also updated its January 29, 2021 guidance for all employers to reflect the increasing prevalence of vaccinations and the lifting of mask orders around the country. […]
Amended Dane County Public Health Emergency Order #14
Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) issued an Amended Emergency Order #14 on March 18, 2021. It is effective immediately. The Amended Emergency Order adds a new section on fully vaccinated individuals. The order defines “fully vaccinated” as two weeks after the second dose from a 2-dose vaccine, e.g. Pfizer-BioNTech’s or Moderna’s vaccine, or […]
