Author Archives: Site Administrator
New Protections for Transgender Employees
Transgender issues are currently at the forefront of public attention. And while opinions on the subject vary, what is important for employers and transgender employees to know is what specific legal protections exist for transgender workers. The biggest point of debate has historically surrounded whether transgender individuals are covered under Title VII of the… Read More »
If I’m on a U.S. Visa, Can My Boss Terminate Me Without Cause?
Visas allow thousands of foreign individuals in a variety of fields to work and live in the United States every year. Since remaining in the country is contingent on being employed, employees should be well versed on the basics of work visas and what should be done in a termination situation. What types of… Read More »
BYOD Policy: Do I Need One for My Small Business?
With an increasing dependence on electronics, employers are becoming forced to confront the issue of how an employee can use his or her own personal electronic devices in the workplace. In response, more and more business owners are implementing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies to establish guidelines for their employers to follow. Read… Read More »
What Happens if My Boss Violates a Provision in the Employee Handbook?
While much consideration is given to employees adhering to a company’s handbook, what happens when an employer violates one of its provisions? What are the repercussions? Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning that an employer can terminate an employee for any non-discriminatory reason. The exception to this rule is when an employee has… Read More »
What You Need to Know About the Florida Competitive Workforce Act
The Florida Competitive Workforce Act (FCWA) is gaining support in the Legislature. Learn what the Act is and what impact it promises to have. What is the Florida Competitive Workforce Act? House Bill 33, by Republican state Rep. Holly Raschein and Senate Bill 156 by Democratic state Sen. Joe Abruzzo constitute the Florida Competitive… Read More »
Can I Ask My Employer to Pay for My Education?
Want to go back to school, but nervous about asking your employer to foot part or all of the bill? Don’t be. There are numerous ways that funding your additional education could benefit the company. Learn the strategies for selling those advantages to your employer and it could mean a win-win for everyone. What… Read More »
How to Practice Mindfulness at Work
While mindfulness has its roots in ancient Buddhist philosophy and religion, it has recently gained popularity in the corporate world. Companies such as Apple, Deutsche Bank and General Mills have instituted mindfulness programs for its employees. Nurtured through the practice of sitting meditation, mindfulness helps individuals become unconditionally present. Proponents believe its benefits include… Read More »
8 Questions in an Interview that Should Raise a Discrimination Flag
Some acts of discrimination can be blatant, while others are more subtle in nature. Job interviews are a prime example of this. Many questions may indirectly feed into the major areas of discrimination. Discover some questions to watch out for and what action you can take if you feel you have been discriminated against…. Read More »
A Hairy Question: Service Animals in the Workplace and the Law
Advancements in animal training and alternative medical treatments mean that animals today can be much more than just pets. Service animals in today’s society can provide medical assistance for many types of human disabilities and medical conditions. An employer or business owner’s failure to accommodate these service animals in the workplace in accordance with… Read More »
Background Checks: What Employers Need to Know
If you plan to use consumer reports (or employment background checks) to make employment decisions like hiring, promotion, reassignment and retention, be aware of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Read on to learn what that entails. Before getting a consumer report, employers must: Tell the applicant or employee (in a stand-alone, written format)… Read More »