Seyfarth Synopsis: Private employers can face competing obligations when it comes to responding to employees’  expressive conduct. Employee rights may collide with employer obligations to maintain a safe and harassment-free work environment, not to mention the employer’s interest in maintaining productivity and avoiding adverse publicity. Here are some guiding principles.

“How’s work?” A common question, whether at a party, catching
Continue Reading Not Just Sticks and Stones: When Should Employers Step In?

Seyfarth Synopsis: On July 17, 2017, the California Fair Employment and Housing Council (FEHC) heard public comments on its proposed regulations covering national origin discrimination under the FEHA. Discussion centered on employer-imposed language restrictions, English proficiency requirements, and immigration-related employment practices. Look for final regulations later this year. 

The FEHC kicked off its third meeting of the year, this time
Continue Reading New National Origin Discrimination Regs: FEHC Hears Public Comments

The California employment agencies have been busy!

  • In February, the DFEH issued guidelines on dealing with transgender issues in the workplace (see our report here).
  • Now, effective April 1, 2016, the Fair Employment & Housing Council gives us amended regulations on preventing discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the workplace. See our One Minute Memo that posted on March 8,


Continue Reading HR Heads-up: Amended FEHA Discrimination Regulations Will Require Action

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)© is recognized all around the world for body slams, suplexes, and super kicks. WWE recently introduced a new type of tag team partnership: a national partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of America to support bullying prevention efforts utilizing its athletes. This comes on the heels of the White House sponsoring a movement against bullying.
Continue Reading Putting The Smackdown On Workplace Bullying