Recent Blog Posts
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 »
Negotiating Severance Agreements: Tips for Florida Employees
While Florida law does not require employers to offer employees any particular severance pay upon termination of the employment relationship, many employers offer severance or separation pay anyways, typically in exchange for a release of potential legal claims that the employee may have, or to enforce a non-compete agreement. Severance may also be part… Read More »
Are Unpaid “Volunteers” Protected Under Employment Discrimination Laws?
With sexual harassment continuing to draw national attention in the wake of the #MeToo movement, it is important more now than ever that employers are cognizant of their responsibilities to their employees under the law – including volunteers. Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Florida Civil Rights Act… Read More »
Can a Florida Employer Ban Employees From Discussing Their Pay With Each Other?
Pay discrimination on the basis of sex violates an employee’s rights to equal treatment in the workplace. But, how is someone even to know that they are getting paid less than their counterparts? Oftentimes, employees are unaware they may be the victims of pay discrimination simply because they do not know how much their… Read More »
Making “Reasonable Accommodations” for Florida Employees Under the ADA
Every Florida employer needs to be mindful of their duties and responsibilities under federal and state employment discrimination laws. For example, under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) a business may face EEOC charges or a private lawsuit if they fail to make “reasonable accommodation” for an employee’s documented physical or mental impairment. But… Read More »
