Employment & Labor Insider

This week in employment law. Continue Reading ›

Everybody's favorite subject. Continue Reading ›

The decision could be a big help to recruiters, staffing companies, and employment agencies. Continue Reading ›

So much for our brave new world. Continue Reading ›

Only in America. Continue Reading ›

A study says so. Therefore, it must be true! Continue Reading ›

And one judge is not pleased. Continue Reading ›

How would Supreme Court contender Amul Thapar be for employers? Continue Reading ›

Do dads have any rights in the workplace? You bet! Continue Reading ›

The state Civil Rights Commission broadens its interpretation of "sex discrimination." Continue Reading ›

Career interruptions negatively affect pay. Who knew? Continue Reading ›

Let's look at the arguments, pro and con, that the Supreme Court is likely to hear someday. Continue Reading ›

Interesting. Continue Reading ›

Here are some initial thoughts. Continue Reading ›

How much can you do - and not do - about your employees' personal appearance and grooming? Take this quiz and find out! As usual, I'll have the answers at the end, so if you get one wrong, no one but you will know.

QUESTION 1: If I operate in a jurisdiction that doesn't have a law against appearance discrimination, I can make any rules about appearance and grooming that I want. 

TRUE

FALSE

QUESTION 2: My employees are required by OSHA to wear masks on the job. The masks are no good unless there is a proper seal around the employee's mouth and nose. Since facial hair prevents a good seal from forming, we have a no-beard policy. I have one employee who is Sikh and wears a beard for religious reasons. What should I do?

A. Let him keep his beard and pray that the mask will work without the proper seal.

B. Tell him he has to shave the beard off or lose his job.

C. Meet with him and explain that the mask is required by OSHA and the safety rationale for the rule. Talk with him about reasonable accommodations, which might include use of a different type of mask that works with a beard, or transfer to another position that doesn't require use of a mask. After you've talked and perhaps consulted with vendors or safety experts, make a determination of what to do that won't violate the law or endanger his safety while accommodating his beliefs as much as you can. Continue Reading ›