According to a recent Harris Poll and KinderCare Learning Companies survey, 8 out of 10 human resources (HR) professionals report difficulties convincing senior executives that investing in childcare benefits for workers is beneficial. The survey, which included 152 senior executives and HR leaders from Fortune 500 companies shows that the C-suite is uncertain that an upgraded investment in childcare would result in Read More

The requirements of Title VII are critical for all employers to know. However, strict compliance with Title VII is more important than ever considering two recent developments: the Trump administration’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) memo addressing criminal investigations of illegal programs. Title VII applies to employers Read More

In January 2025, the President issued two executive orders (EOs) concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, (DEIA) initiatives. These EOs are likely to have a significant impact on the practices of both the federal government and the private employer sector for years to come. Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing The Read More

Just before the presidential inauguration, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the termination of its COVID-19 healthcare rulemaking. OSHA originally issued an Emergency Temporary Standard on June 21, 2021. The purpose of the standard was to protect workers in healthcare settings from COVID-19. The agency published the Emergency Temporary Read More

Apple disclosed in a proxy statement filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the National Center for Public Policy, a conservative think tank, will propose that Apple cease all its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities at its upcoming shareholder meeting. In response, Apple advised its shareholders to vote against the proposal, characterizing it as an inappropriate attempt to Read More

Meta has ended its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in its latest moves, seemingly designed to gain favor with the incoming Trump administration. The change comes three days after Meta announced the ending of a fact-checking program, which many believe unfairly and adversely affected conservatives. In announcing the immediate elimination of DEI programs, Janelle Gale, vice president of human Read More

Following Amazon’s return-to-work mandate, about a third of American companies plan to issue a similar mandate that requires employees to spend five days per week in the office. However, one Arizona court case illustrates how forced return-to-office (RTO) policies may not be the best strategy. Bell Road Tire and Auto LLC, d/b/a Big O Tires, implemented a 100% RTO policy for all employees. A disabled employee asked Read More

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has withdrawn a rule relating to the payment of tipped employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the 2021 DOL rule in an August 2024 court decision. The now vacated and withdrawn rule, which was known as the “80/20/30,” “80/20,” or “20%” rule, identified three categories of work: Tip-producing work serving Read More

A federal judge in Georgia has denied Sephora’s motion to partially dismiss a former store manager’s discrimination and retaliation suit. Nixaliz Mestre alleges the beauty company fired her after she refused to use a hiring strategy that prioritized white applicants over applicants of color. The case is Mestre v. Sephora USA Inc., case number 1:24-cv-01908, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Read More

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued DOL Opinion Letter FMLA2024-01-A on November 8, 2024. The Opinion Letter clarifies that eligible employees may take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when “continuing treatment” of a serious health condition includes participation in a clinical trial. The FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of protected leave time for treating serious health conditions and other Read More