Welcome to Our Blog
I Want my Money Back: A Primer on Recovering Inadvertent Overpayments
Recovering accidental employee overpayments requires careful attention to state wage deduction laws. Learn how New York employers can address payroll errors, comply with notice requirements, follow restrictions on deductions, and handle employee disputes. Explore practical strategies for recovering inadvertent overpayments, including direct deposit reversals, while minimizing legal risks and maintaining compliance with employment laws.
Employer Liability for Harassment by Non-Employees
Can an employer be liable when an employee is harassed by a customer, vendor, or other non-employee? The legal standard may vary by jurisdiction, but employers should take complaints seriously. Learn how non-employee harassment can create workplace liability and why employers should promptly investigate complaints and take appropriate steps to protect employees.
A Disability Doesn't Excuse an Employee's Misconduct
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires reasonable workplace accommodations, but a disability does not automatically excuse employee misconduct. Learn how recent federal court guidance addresses an employee’s responsibility to request accommodations, when disability-related conduct may still result in discipline, and what employers should consider when balancing ADA compliance with workplace conduct and performance standards.
Employer Guidance for New Tax Deductions for Tips and Overtime Pay
New tax deductions for tips and overtime pay create important compliance responsibilities for employers. Learn how the OBBBA’s “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime” provisions affect qualified compensation, employee eligibility, payroll tracking, and reporting requirements. Early preparation can help employers manage implementation, coordinate with payroll providers, and communicate changes effectively.
Essential Employer Recordkeeping Obligations: Overlook at your Own Peril
Employer recordkeeping requirements are essential to workplace compliance. Learn how long businesses must retain records under the FLSA, EEOC, OSHA, Form I-9, and IRS rules. Understanding federal retention periods for payroll, personnel, safety, immigration, and tax documents can help employers prepare for audits, avoid penalties, and reduce unnecessary legal and compliance risks.
Employer Checklist for Mid 2026
Mid-2026 brings important employment law and workplace updates for employers. Review this employer checklist covering independent contractor rules, OSHA programs, NLRB joint-employer developments, H-1B registrations, non-competes, GLP-1 workplace issues, responsible AI use, and industry-specific concerns. New York employers should also monitor state-specific requirements to maintain compliance and reduce legal risk.
Employers Should Audit Their Forms I-9 NOW
Employers should audit Form I-9 records now as immigration enforcement and workplace inspections increase. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can result in significant penalties. Learn how internal I-9 audits, proper corrections, updated onboarding procedures, HR training, compliant electronic systems, and an ICE response plan can help businesses reduce risk and strengthen employment compliance.
Sexual Harassment - What Does "In the Course of Employment" Mean?
Sexual harassment can occur beyond the traditional workplace. Learn what “in the course of employment” means, when employers may be liable for harassment outside working hours or at off-site events, and how courts evaluate the connection between the conduct and employment. Understanding these standards helps employers strengthen compliance and reduce workplace liability.
When Termination Becomes a Litigation Risk: Using Severance Strategically
When termination creates potential legal exposure, a well-structured severance agreement can help reduce litigation risk. Learn when severance makes strategic sense, how to separate final wages from severance benefits, determine appropriate terms, and manage employee separations in a way that protects your business and minimizes costly employment disputes.
Essential Legal Documents for Hiring Your Workforce
Hiring the right workforce starts with the right legal documents. Learn the essential forms for employees and independent contractors, including offer letters, employment agreements, Form I-9, Form W-4, background check authorizations, contractor agreements, and employee handbooks. Proper documentation helps employers stay compliant, reduce legal risk, and build a strong hiring process.
Employers' Considerations When Employees' Online Content Results in Real-World Discord in the Workplace
Employers must carefully navigate workplace conflicts stemming from employees’ online activity. Learn how free speech protections, the NLRA, social media privacy laws, anti-discrimination rules, and off-duty conduct protections may limit disciplinary actions. Consistent policies, employee training, and coordinated legal, HR, and compliance responses can help reduce risk and avoid costly missteps.
DOL's Paid Program
The U.S. Department of Labor has revived the PAID (Payroll Audit Independent Determination) program, allowing employers to voluntarily self-audit wage, overtime, and leave compliance issues. By identifying and correcting Fair Labor Standards Act and FMLA violations, employers may resolve problems proactively, pay back wages, and reduce the risk of costly litigation and enforcement actions.
