Seyfarth Synopsis: Today we will begin posting a monthly summary of our employment law blogs, as a way to keep you connected and aware of our latest thought leadership. As always, readers are encouraged to reach out to our authors with any comments or questions raised from the blog.

Heat Illness – A Phantom Menace: Sweatt Blogs on Safety Measures and Heat Illness in the Workplace

Seyfarth Synopsis: OSHA Administrator Loren Sweatt recently blogged related to heat illness in the work place as “forecasters are calling for above-average heat in some parts of the country and scorching temperatures in July and August.” Sweatt suggests six items to keep in mind as employers prepare for a hot summer.

EEOC Update: The Commission Announces Two New Pilot Programs For Conciliation And Mediation Processes

Seyfarth Synopsis:  On July 7, 2020, the EEOC announced in a press release two new six-month pilot programs aimed at increasing voluntary resolutions of discrimination charges. One of the new programs seeks to increase the effectiveness of the conciliation process at the Commission, and the other will create more opportunities to resolve matters through the EEOC’s popular mediation process. The details of the EEOC’s latest programs are a critical “must read” read for all employers dealing with EEOC charges.   

Boy, I Need a Vacation: FAQs Regarding Employee Travel and PTO

Seyfarth Synopsis: Between states reopening and summer vacation beginning, employers have wondered what say they have over their employees’ use of PTO. Below are some of most frequently asked questions from employers about employee vacation in light of the pandemic.

OSHA Updates FAQs on Face Masks in the Workplace

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated its frequently asked questions and answers to advise employers about the use of face masks in the workplace.

Happy Birthday to Us! Employment Law Lookout Blog’s Seventh Year Anniversary – A Look Back at our Top Posts

Seyfarth Synopsis: Seven years ago today The Employment Law Lookout Blog launched its twice weekly publications. Now as we enter a new year — we wanted to celebrate this milestone by taking a look back at our seven most popular posts of “all time.”  (As compiled by our marketing team and based on number of hits/reads.) But first — and because this has always been a team effort — to all of our authors we say “good job and well done.” To all of our readers we say “thank you — very much” for following the ELL Blog. We look forward to continuing to bring you the latest and the best thought leadership blogs on employment law and liability issues and equally exciting topics! Now…. Who wants cake?

Seyfarth Team Launches Part 2 of its ADA 30: 30 Tips for 30 Years Video Series

Seyfarth Synopsis: The ADA Title III team launches the second installment of its 3-part video series containing 30 tips for businesses on how to better serve individuals with disabilities. This video covers reasonable modifications to normal policies, practices and procedures.

GoT’s All-Seeing Three-Eyed Raven: The Gig Economy in California

Seyfarth Synopsis: The controversy surrounding AB 5 unveiled a clear need for a new avenue of classifying so-called gig workers to combine the certainty of employee designations with the flexibility of gig jobs. What are the promises of and prospects for a hybrid classification that would provide workers with some employee benefits while also providing workers and companies some of the freedom and efficiencies observed in a gig economy? Can we see what the future will hold? This post explores some possibilities.

Seventh Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment in Disability Suit Where No Evidence that Disability Was “But For” Cause of Position Elimination

Seyfarth Synopsis: In McCann v. Badger Mining Corporation, — F.3d. — (7th Cir. 2020), the Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment and held that no jury could conclude that plaintiff’s position would not have been eliminated “but for” her disability.

Blog Series – Managing a Future Tele-Workforce

Seyfarth Synopsis: In part one of a series concerning managing the future tele-workforce, below are some tips to navigate reasonable accommodation requests and monitor the performance of employees who will likely be working remotely in greater numbers in the future.

Updated Massachusetts Guidance Clarifies Lodging Providers’ Responsibility For Ensuring Guest Compliance With Travel Order

Seyfarth Synopsis: As we previously reported, on July 24, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an Executive Order announcing a $500 daily civil fine, effective August 1, for individuals traveling into the Commonwealth who fail to comply with the State’s mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement.