The coronavirus pandemic has forced many employers to embrace the concept of remote work where they might not otherwise have done so before.  Many of those employers are now converts, abandoning or downsizing their brick-and-mortar office space in exchange for more remote workers. The appeal is not surprising.  Remote work provides a means by which … Read more

Employers who want to recruit for a more diverse workforce must do so carefully and in a manner that does not run afoul of the law. For example, an employer cannot agree to only interview candidates with certain characteristics, such as transgender and gender non-conforming people.  Nor can it advertise that “only transgender and gender … Read more

This year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, registered New York voters can vote three ways: By absentee ballot, In-person early voting (there are nine days of early voting beginning October 24, 2020 and ending November 1, 2020), or In-person voting on Election Day, November 3, 2020. Poll sites are open 6 am to 9 … Read more

On January 21, 2020, Governor Murphy amended the NJ WARN Act to require employers to provide severance pay to employees affected by mass layoffs.  The amendment was originally to take effect on July 19, 2020, but as a result of stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the amendment will take effect on September 7, … Read more

There may come a time where your business needs to reduce employee compensation in an effort to stay in business.  Below are five important considerations before doing so: Consider making cuts across the board, as opposed to only select employees or jobs. In the latter scenario, you run the risk of exposing your business to … Read more

With NYC entering Phase 2 on Monday, June 22, NYC offices intending on re-opening should ensure that they comply with the safety and health requirements set forth by the State of New York.  No NYC office-based work activities can operate without meeting the minimum State standards, as well as any applicable federal requirements, such as … Read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the “CDC”) has issued updated guidance (last updated May 27, 2020) detailing steps employers should take prior to returning employees to work in an office building environment.  While the CDC’s guidance is not binding, it is a valuable resource for employers taking an initial look at how to … Read more

Employers looking to reopen their workplace after pandemic-related workplace restrictions have been lifted will need to consider and plan for issues like more stringent cleaning protocols, use of face coverings and masks in the workplace, and conducting temperature checks and health screening of employees and visitors.  This post focuses on the need for employers to … Read more

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”), which was effective April 1, 2020 and ends December 31, 2020, provides small and midsize employers (under 500 employees) with refundable tax credits that reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to their employees for qualifying leave related to COVID-19. … Read more

The U.S. Department of Labor has released the model Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) notice (available here).  Private employers with fewer than 500 employees must post the notice and are recommended to do so in advance of the April 1, 2020 effective date of the FFCRA. Each covered employer must post the notice in … Read more