Volume 21 | June 2022
HR & the Law in the News
This Month's Stories on The AI & the ADA; COVID-19 Vax Update; Not-So-Happy Birthday; When Bonus' Bite Back; & more, PLUS Upcoming Events!
Happy coworkers celebrating a birthday in the office
A Not-So Happy Birthday. When Good Intentions Go Awry!

Your office has a tradition of celebrating employees' birthdays. One employee asks you to please not do so. The request is not borne out of modesty. The employee explains that doing so would create stress and anxiety, and possibly trigger a panic attack. You throw the party any
way. What's the harm?
AI Chatbot intelligent digital customer service application concept_ computer mobile application uses artificial intelligence chatbots automatically respond online messages to help customers instantly
Using Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment and Selection Procedures

Do you use AI to recruit, screen, hire applicants or promote, assess, or evaluate employees? If so, you should check out the EEOC's latest guidance. And, if you replied, "No," you might be surprised to find you do!
Beware of danger concept icon shows hazards and risks. Pay attention on the road and be careful - 3d illustration
When Bonuses Bite Back
Nearly 250 years ago, Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield wrote to his son, "Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." On May 24th, the U.S. Department of Labor reminded employers of an all-too-common oversight.

This story is similar to the one above about good intentions and unintended consequences. I know many employers, even more in the last two-plus years of COVID-19, have offered employees various pay incentives to return to work on-site, part-time or full-time. If you have done so or are considering it, be sure you know the financial and legal ramifications.
Miniature scale model businessman standing on a wage pay slip showing earnings deductions. Isolated on a white background
Are You Taking Care of Business...Expenses?
A recent headline caught my attention. Several well-known companies are being sued for their alleged failure to pay employees for expenses they incurred as a result of working from home. This ties in with a state law trend that has been sweeping the nation in the last two years.
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: "Fully" Vaccinated v. Up to Date
I was recently told that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) changed its definition of "fully" vaccinated to include booster shots. I had not heard that before, scolded myself for missing that news update, and figured I had better do some research.
Union Activity and the NLRB on the Rise
Even if your workforce and workplaces are union-free, remember the National Labor Relations Act still provides all of your non-supervisory employees with certain rights. This includes the right to act in concert for their mutual aid and protection, such as talking with each other, management, and sometimes third parties about their wages, hours, or other conditions of employment.

Congress is considering legislation that would require employers to recognize a union even before employee get to vote. At least one state is poised to enact a law that would prohibit what is commonly known as captive audience speeches.
UPCOMING EVENTS


ICYMI - May's Archived Events & Webcasts


Recorded events still provide the listed and pre-approved HRCI & SHRM credits.
In its 2nd Edition!
A SHRMStore "Great 8" Best-Seller
8 Years in a Row!
Thank YOU!
This publication does not constitute the rendering of legal advice. You should consult your company's legal counsel for guidance on any matter. 
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