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We are continuing to monitor key trends and significant updates that affect employers across a wide variety of industries. We want to make sure we touch upon issues that are of concern to you. We invite you to take a moment and let us know what you would like to hear more about in this newsletter. Click below to email our team of attorneys.
Updates
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Navigating Political Viewpoints in the Workplace
As the midterm election season approaches, employers may already be dreading inevitable political disagreements at work and wondering how to prevent them. American politics have become more polarized over time, and strong, contrary viewpoints can lead to divisiveness and possibly even harassment claims.
EEOC Issues New Guidance for Employers Regarding the Treatment of Employees with Caregiver Responsibilities
With more employees returning to the office, many employers have struggled with increased caregiving demands on employees' time as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these concerns, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued new guidance last month clarifying federal employment discrimination law as it applies to employees with caregiver responsibilities (EEOC Guidance). In this article, we highlight the key takeaways from the EEOC Guidance, and review some examples of what might constitute unlawful "caregiver discrimination."
Education Roundup: Set the Stage for Success: Preparing for Head of School Transitions
With many heads of school retiring, independent schools are finding themselves in a transition period as they adjust to building relationships with a new head of school. Searching for a new head of school involves time, effort, and expense on the part of the school community and its leadership. Between search committees, search consultants, and interviews, among other things, independent schools invest significant time and energy in finding the individual who will take the helm. To ensure that these efforts are not wasted, it is important to remember that the work does not end once the announcement is made – in creating a transition plan, independent schools can best lay the groundwork for a successful leadership transition.
Attorney Spotlight
Tara Moossaian: I enjoy employment law because of its uniquely human quality and ever-changing legal landscape. No two employment disputes or client requests look the same on any given day. As a labor and employment lawyer with exposure to both litigation and counseling work, I enjoy helping clients navigate nuanced personnel and workplace issues. The shift to increased remote working capabilities and recent significant legal developments in this area of law present new challenges for employers and more opportunities for guidance from employment lawyers.
About the Labor and Employment Group
The bicoastal, 40-person Labor and Employment team at Venable provides guidance and support across the full spectrum of workplace dynamics – helping employers control costs, avoid disputes, and defend themselves when litigation arises. As co-editors of this newsletter, Michael Volpe and Doreen Martin invite you to share the content with your colleagues and reach out with any questions.