Compliance Stuff

A longtime rule may soon be scrapped that helped employers ensure they were providing equal employment opportunities and improve diversity, equity, and inclusion while also complying with federal anti-discrimination laws. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) submitted a proposal to the White House on May 27 seeking to revoke a safe harbor for employers that’s been in place for nearly 50 years. The move aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate DEI programs from the workplace and focus on merit-based opportunities. Here are three key takeaways from the EEOC’s latest action and the practical steps employers should be taking now. 1. Employers Would Lose Safe Harbor The EEOC wants to revoke a 1979 interpretive rule addressing a potential conflict between voluntary affirmative action plans (not those previously mandated for federal contractors) and compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based ...

Here are the top 10 workplace compliance items you should tackle in April 2026, based on the latest labor and employment law updates:   _____ Update your workplace violence prevention plan.  April is Workplace Violence Prevention Month, making it a good time to assess whether your current policies and procedures are up to date.  Here’s everything you need to know and the steps you can take to keep your staff and customers safe . _____ Track the latest news from the federal government.  There were some recent significant federal developments that should cause you to review your policies and practices in April:   The DOL General Counsel announced that the agency will shift the focus of its investigation resources to non-union workplaces and promised maximum compliance assistance.  Here are the important points of the memo that your business should know . The NLRB General Counsel issued new guidance on work rules, raising questions about whether employee handb...

April is Workplace Violence Prevention Month, serving as a reminder for all employers that dangerous altercations can happen anywhere, even at work. Anyone who comes in contact with your business – like guests, customers, patients, contractors, or even employees – can create a safety risk. And these risks can vary depending on what industry you’re in. For example, medical providers and front-facing employees are more likely to experience workplace violence, but anyone can unfortunately become a victim. While these situations are unpredictable, you can and should prepare. Here’s everything you need to know about current rules on workplace violence prevention and the steps you can take to keep your staff and customers safe. Understanding the Scope of Workplace Violence Violent acts are the third leading cause of injuries in the workplace. They can be caused by anyone who encounters your business and comes in many forms. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains t...

The National Labor Relations Board’s General Counsel just issued guidance last week addressing how Regional Offices should approach enforcement of unfair labor practice charges involving employer work rules and handbook provisions. While the memo does  not  change the Board’s law on work rules, it does signal the beginning of an important shift – and we expect less scrutiny of workplace rules by the NLRB under the current administration. Here’s what you need to know about the GC’s February 27 guidance memo and five practical steps to consider taking now. Why This Matters Now The General Counsel’s guidance suggests that the agency will be  less aggressive in pursuing marginal work-rules cases , but it does  not immunize such rules from challenge . Employers cannot assume that your policies are beyond scrutiny because enforcement resources will be prioritized. Read on for a discussion of the current law, the GC memo’s impact, and key compliance steps. Prior Policy: Fro...