Author Archives: Jay Butchko
U.S. Citizens Working Abroad for a Multinational Employer: Your Basic Rights
Move over, Dora the Explorer. You’ve finally done it! You’re a U.S. Citizen who got the job offer to work abroad. Before you start packing your bags for the big move, take a minute to consider what laws may apply (and protect) you as a U.S. Citizen working abroad. What Laws May Protect Me… Read More »
And You Thought Coming Up with the Business Idea Was Hard: Employment Tips for Start Up Companies
Move over California, Texas, and New York, according to a recent studies, South Florida is actually the nation’s hottest place for new business startups. At least that’s the findings of the most recent report from the Kauffman Foundation, which studies entrepreneurship trends across the country. Last year, reported the Miami Herald, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale… Read More »
What is the Florida Information Protection Act of 2014 (FIPA)?
The Florida Information Protection Act of 2014 is a Florida state law governing privacy rules for entities handling personal information. Who is Covered Under FIPA? Under FIPA, a Covered Entity is defined as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, trust, estate, cooperative, association, or other commercial entity that acquires, maintains, stores, or uses personal information…. Read More »
Tips for Conducting a Workplace Investigation
If you are an employer who recently received a complaint from an employee concerning employment discrimination or sexual harassment in the workplace, it is important to know how to conduct a lawful and effective workplace investigation. In order to prevent lawsuits and to protect against vicarious liability claims, Florida employers need to consider the… Read More »
Supervisor Liability: When a Supervisor’s Actions Expose Employers to Lawsuit
With the prevalence of claims against harassers as part of the #metoo movement, this is an excellent time for employers to review their policies and procedures as they relate to reporting harassment and handling complaints of harassment. A common misconception by many Florida employers is that they are not responsible for the actions of… Read More »
Why Job Descriptions are Important for Your Employees
So, you have a Handbook in place and employees who know what is expected of them in their job – why do you need job descriptions? Under Florida law, job descriptions are not legally required, but existence of job descriptions can provide valuable legal protections to an employer – and make sure employees understand… Read More »
Do I Need a Human Resources Manager or Director for My Company?
As your Florida business grows, many business owners may find the majority of their time being devoted to handling employee matters – rather than focusing on the business itself. If this sounds like your situation, it may be time to consider hiring a Human Resources (“HR”) Manager or Director. Is There a “Magic Number”… Read More »
Should An Employer Make Employees Sign or Acknowledge the Employee Handbook?
Regardless of size, every Florida employer should consider having an employee handbook. An Employee Handbook is a document outlining the employer’s policies with regard to issues like working hours, rest breaks, vacation time, and expectations for workplace conduct. Keep in mind, an employee handbook is not the same thing as an employment contract, and… Read More »
Four Important Policies Employers Should Consider to Add to an Employee Handbook
No matter the size, it is important for Florida businesses to consider maintaining policies and procedures for their employees, such as an Employee Handbook. A handbook should give employees a clear direction as to your expectations of their conduct as it relates to the business and their job, as well as their responsibilities. While… Read More »
Congress Halts Trump Administration’s Efforts to Change Employee Tipping Rules
Many Florida workers, notably those in the restaurant and hospitality industries, rely on tips as a critical part of their income. Indeed, federal and state minimum wage laws allow employers to credit an employee’s tips towards their own obligations. In Florida, for instance, the regular minimum wage is $8.25 per hour as of 2018…. Read More »