One of your concerns as a Florida employer is likely how to protect yourself from legal liability when terminating employees. Although Florida is an at-will state, meaning you can terminate employees without a specific reason, you may still face legal claims from...
Employment Law – Employer
The benefits of mediating a workplace discrimination claim
A claim of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation or wrongful termination can jeopardize your business’s reputation and it’s financial well-being. That’s why it’s imperative to implement strong policies, reporting procedures, investigations and...
Tips on responding to stalking claims in the workplace
Stalking claims in the workplace must be taken seriously and addressed with care. Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees while maintaining a professional and supportive environment. When stalking allegations surface, how leadership responds can...
Can I lay off an employee that is on FMLA leave?
Managing layoffs is already a delicate task, but when an employee is out on Family and Medical Leave Act leave, employers in Florida must tread especially carefully. While the FMLA grants job protection during approved leave, it does not fully shield employees from...
Guidelines when terminating employees
As a Florida business owner, terminating employees is inevitable. Terminating an employee, whether for a specific reason, or part of routine layoffs, should be handled professionally and responsibly. The proper handling of employee terminations has many benefits for...
Can employers regulate employees’ personal social media use?
Social media has made it harder to separate personal and work life. Employees can quickly post their thoughts online, which can sometimes go against company values. Employers need to handle these situations carefully while respecting employees’ rights and protecting...
3 things employers should do after a discrimination complaint
As a small business owner in the skilled trade and service industries, facing a discrimination complaint can be distressing. These complaints can arise from various situations, such as unequal treatment in hiring practices, differences in promotion opportunities, or...
How to avoid claims of discrimination stemming from appraisals
With the end of the year in sight, many employers are preparing themselves to write performance appraisals. These evaluations can be quite valuable, providing constructive feedback to employees to give them guidance and help them build their skills in the year to...
How should employers approach drafting non-compete agreements?
Non-compete agreements can protect a company's interests, but employers must draft them carefully to ensure enforceability. Courts often scrutinize these agreements to determine if they are reasonable and fair. Here are some practices for employers when drafting...
Best practices to handle workplace discrimination investigations
When employees raise concerns about discrimination, employers in Florida should act with professionalism. Implementing proper investigations will help ensure compliance with employment law while fostering a respectful and fair workplace environment. Prompt action Take...