Abercrombie loses its right to appeal an adverse finding because it sent its appeal papers to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by first-class mail rather than by certified mail or hand delivery? Talk about putting form over substance! While I obviously can’t judge the merits of the appeal, it seems wrong to deny the company another look [...]
Ouch, or pitfalls for the unwary.
Going paperless
Very interesting article this morning on the struggles that companies are having persuading their customers to go paperless. (I know, its not employment law, but it is interesting, and there is a lawsuit involved).
Companies have two strong incentives to reduce paper billings: it reduces their costs, and it gives them environmental cred. (If all of [...]
Assignment of Non-Compete Agreements
Here is a good article on the assignment of non-compete agreements that appears in the most recent issue of the Hennepin Lawyer. Its written by my friends Craig Trepanier and Jim MacGillis. While they used some of my research and didn’t give me credit in the article, they did buy me a nice lunch last [...]
How important is social networking?
As a follow-up to my post on social networking at work, check out this video which argues that social networking is the most important societal development since the industrial revolution. While that may overstate the case, and while I can’t vouch for the statistics in the presentation, it is still quite thought-provoking. And if nothing [...]
Should Companies Ban Social Networking Sites at Work?
Here is an interesting article from Law 360 about law firms struggling to control their employees’ use of Facebook and other social networking sites.
One commentator quoted in the article suggests that if LinkedIn is akin to a Chamber of Commerce dinner, Facebook is the “digital equivalent of a country club”. Really? I think that might [...]
What is the opposite of being laid off?
My friend Glenn Miller recently had a funny and insightful commentary on American Public Media’s “Marketplace” radio show. He discusses clients that want him to consult from their facilities even though he has his own office. Instead of being “laid off”, he’s being “laid on”. Listen to or read it here.
Avoiding Digital Distractions at Work
There is a very interesting article in the New York Times this morning about software programs that might help you – or your employees – spend less time surfing and more time working. I might need to try a few of these myself!
Credit Reports on Applicants May Be Prohibited In Some States
Wisconsin is the latest state to consider banning the use of credit histories in hiring decisions. A bill introduced in the Wisconsin legislature last month would add credit history to the list of unfair discriminatory practices prohibited under state law. An exception would be available, however, where an applicant’s credit history is substantially related to [...]
How Far May An Employer Go In Monitoring The Activities Of Its Employees?
Employers often consider whether to use surveillance techniques in the workplace to provide greater security to both employees and customers. A case from West Virginia serves as a reminder that, while certain types of monitoring may be appropriate, there are limits to what employers can do.
Brad Bowyer was hired as a desk clerk in a [...]
