February 2026

Big EEOC Change in January 2026: Why Harassment Compliance Still Matters the Same

Big EEOC Change in January 2026: Why Harassment Compliance Still Matters the Same

The EEOC rescinded its 2024 Harassment Guidance in January 2026 — but don’t panic. Core laws, liability standards, and best practices for handling workplace harassment complaints remain unchanged. For small and mid-sized employers, the focus stays on prompt investigations, trusted reporting channels, consistent discipline, and strong documentation to minimize risks — no matter the agency’s enforcement tone.

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Avoiding Workplace Retaliation Claims: Essential Best Practices for Employers

Avoiding Workplace Retaliation Claims: Essential Best Practices for Employers

Retaliation claims remain one of the most frequent and difficult employment issues to defend. Learn the legal basics, protected activities, and 8 key best practices—including strong no-retaliation policies, prompt investigations, consistent documentation, and legal oversight—to help employers reduce risk and maintain compliance.

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Minnesota's New Paid Leave Program: Does It Cover Fear of Civil Unrest from Protests and Immigration Enforcement?

Minnesota’s New Paid Leave Program: Does It Cover Fear of Civil Unrest from Protests and Immigration Enforcement?

Minnesota’s Paid Leave Program (often referred to as Minnesota Paid Leave) officially took effect on January 1, 2026, creating a statewide paid family and medical leave benefit for most employees working in Minnesota. The law provides partial wage replacement and job protection for qualifying family and medical events. The Upshot Key features of the law

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What the DOJ's Challenge to Minnesota's Affirmative Action Means for Workplace DEI

What the DOJ’s Challenge to Minnesota’s Affirmative Action Means for Workplace DEI

The U.S. Department of Justice’s January 14, 2026 lawsuit against the State of Minnesota continues the evolving relationship between civil rights law and workplace DEI efforts. Filed under Title VII, the complaint challenges Minnesota’s long‑standing affirmative action framework for state employment—arguing that the state’s use of race‑ and sex‑conscious hiring goals, demographic availability analyses, and

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