On July 10, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order, asking federal agencies to implement actions designed to increase economic competition and limit the use of noncompete agreements. According to the President, “Workers should be free to take a better job if...
Employment Law
3 Mistakes to Avoid to Prevent Retaliation Allegations
Employers have the unpleasant responsibility of disciplining their workers. Ideally, discipline would never be necessary, but it is often necessary (e.g., because of excessive absenteeism, insubordination, or other employee abuses) to take adverse action against the...
What is the ‘Grooming Gap?’
Employers across Minnesota and Wisconsin are likely familiar with the gender gap, or the discrepancy between wages and opportunities for male and female employees. However, there is another type of gap that puts female workers at a disadvantage: the grooming gap. The...
‘Ok, Boomer’ and Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Recently, the phrase, "Ok, Boomer" has become a catch-all response from millennials and Generation Zers to older people who have expressed an opinion. What might have started as a harmless meme online has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. And the patronizing response...
When Business Gets Personal: Addressing Workplace Relationships
Workplace dynamics and culture are naturally affected by sexual harassment, but the same is true when co-workers engage in a consensual romantic relationship. It can affect things like promotions, terminations, and other decisions that affect how employees are grouped...
Tips for Making Your Workplace Gender Neutral
DDMinnesotans are known for being nice. Often, we wear the label of "Minnesota nice" as a badge of honor--a show of politeness and respect. This attitude of being nice and respectful to everyone can certainly extend into the workplace. As such, business owners are...
What are reasonable accommodations?
State and federal laws require Minnesota employers to provide accommodations to workers with disabilities. Any employer that does not comply with these laws can face harsh penalties and costly legal battles. If you are an employer, you should understand these rules...
Addressing Hostile Work Environments
Workplace culture and dynamics are not always as positive as employers and employees would hope. In some cases, a workplace becomes so negative and harmful for an employee that it constitutes a hostile work environment. Under such circumstances, it is crucial for...
New Record-Keeping Requirements for Minnesota Employers and New Wage-Theft Protections for Minnesota Employees
The Minnesota legislature has passed, and Governor Walz has signed, new legislation that amends various employment law statutes, includes new record-keeping requirements for employers, and provides new wage-theft protections for employees. Record Keeping Requirements...
What Can I Do To Avoid Wrongful Termination Claims
Making the decision to let an employee go is rarely an easy one. Firing someone affects that person's life and leaves a space in the workforce that an employer must often fill. As such, employers typically do not fire people on a whim. Even if the need to terminate is...