Mike Bourgon

Disturbing events in Minneapolis

Disturbing events in Minneapolis

For a calming notice to Minneapolis employees, focus on empathy, reaffirming support, providing clear info on resources (like EAP), acknowledging external stressors (local events, weather), outlining immediate steps for safety/support (remote work, quiet spaces), and directing them to official channels for updates, using a tone that’s supportive, calm, and clear, as specific situations dictate different […]

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The Rise of AI Deepfakes: Weaponized Harassment in the Modern Workplace

The Rise of AI Deepfakes: Weaponized Harassment in the Modern Workplace

A California appellate court recently affirmed a jury verdict awarding $4 million to a police captain who was subjected to a hostile work environment after a sexually explicit, AI-generated image resembling her was widely circulated in the workplace, holding that the dissemination of such fabricated content constituted unlawful harassment under California law. In a separate

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Partner with Midwest HR Experts Backed by Employment Law Counsel

Partner with Midwest HR Experts Backed by Employment Law Counsel

With Minnesota’s new break law and paid leave requirements taking effect on January 1, many business leaders like yourself are navigating increased compliance demands – from mandatory meal/rest breaks to updated wage notices and potential penalties for non-compliance. At Synergy HR, we specialize in helping Midwest businesses and professional organizations (like law firms, CPA firms,

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Reminder: Compliance with Minnesota's Employee Wage Notice Requirement

Reminder: Compliance with Minnesota’s Employee Wage Notice Requirement

As a reminder to all our clients and friends, please ensure that you are complying with this requirement. The Minnesota Department of labor has recently announced if they will be auditing employers to ensure they are meeting their requirements. This regulation is separate and distinct from the Wage Theft Law. if you have any questions

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Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): 2025–2026 Transition Checklist for Employers

Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): 2025–2026 Transition Checklist for Employers

To handle pre-existing leave that transitions to Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), continue benefits, and track leave usage as the new law takes effect in 2026, you must first ensure that any leave taken in 2025 is counted against the employee’s prior leave entitlements and that leave starting in 2026 is subject to the

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Minnesota ESST Law: Key Changes Effective July 2025 & January 2026

Recent changes to Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law, effective July 1, 2025, include modifying rules on how employees can find replacement workers by trading shifts and allowing employers to advance ESST hours to new employees starting January 1, 2026. The amendments also adjust how employers can require notice for unforeseeable absences. The

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