The Sophisticated Employer Blog

EEOC issues final regulations for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, defining key terms and providing employers with crucial compliance information.

Employers and HR professionals will want to know about this proposed new enforcement guidance on harassment in the workplace issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 

Unlike Title VII, the federal Equal Pay Act shifts the burden of proof to employers to prove a nondiscriminatory reason for pay difference.

Appellate court’s ruling appears to have made it easier to bring employment discrimination claims under federal law.

In current legal landscape, employers may do well to continue including a contractual limitations period on employment applications and handbook acknowledgments.

New Memorandum of Understanding imposes “consultation” between federal agencies.

Inadvertent noncompliance with writs of garnishment can cost employers.

This published decision gives failing grade to university officials who apparently need summer school to learn employment and defense best practices.

Policies are great but employers must ensure manager and HR compliance in order to present a solid defense to employee discrimination claims.

Employers must file new Component 2 compensation data with the EEOC by Sept. 30.

This case is a good reminder to employers that just because employees have restrictions, it doesn’t mean they have disabilities requiring ADA accommodations.  

New Supreme Court ruling again emphasizes that filing EEOC charge is not a jurisdictional prerequisite to bringing a Title VII claim in federal court.

Court allows class action case to proceed against Ford Motor over claim that company’s online job portal is too difficult for applicants with disabilities to navigate.

Rumor-based sexual harassment claim draws attention in the form of nearly 50 amicus curiae briefs from across the country. This post explains why. 

Remaining flexible on religious accommodations could help employers stay off the naughty list with Michigan’s courts.

EEOC and Justice Department locked in clash of titans battle over discrimination protections for LGBTQ employees.

To avoid legal quagmires, employers must understand the differences between federal and Michigan law regarding employees claiming disabilities.

In a real game changer for employers and employees, a recent federal court ruling disavows application of the tender back rule to employment cases under Title VII and the Equal Pay Act.

Appellate court rules Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects transgender employees from discrimination by employers in the workplace.

Scheduling changes based on employer’s legitimate staffing concerns during upcoming leave of absence violated federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

The list of questions employers can’t ask applicants continues to grow!

Federal appellate court's ruling that Title VII prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation sets stage for showdown in U.S. Supreme Court.

EEOC offers employers new tools for wellness programs and discouraging workplace retaliation.

EEOC publishes sample notice to help businesses offering employer-sponsored wellness plans to comply with employee notice rules.

The EEOC has issued a new Fact Sheet addressing bathroom access rights for transgender employees.

Check out the EEOC's new quick-read pamphlet for employers that provides helpful information and links to important Internet content.

Federal appellate court holds telecommuting was not a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.

EEOC's focus on harassment claims means the time is right for employers to review anti-harassment policies, training and procedures.

EEOC action emphasizes enforcement of Title VII protections for transgender employees allegedly discriminated against in the workplace.

EEOC’s new enforcement guidance clarifies the EEOC’s position on a number of issues involving pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions.

Recent EEOC settlement emphasizes need for employers to modify their inflexible leave policies to comply with the ADA