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 […]
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
What the DOJ’s Challenge to Minnesota’s Affirmative Action Means for Workplace DEI Read More »
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
The Rise of AI Deepfakes: Weaponized Harassment in the Modern Workplace Read More »
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
Reminder: Compliance with Minnesota’s Employee Wage Notice Requirement Read More »
In the wake of any crisis, stress and tensions run high. As a result, employers may be inclined to communicate prematurely, over- or under-communicate, or otherwise communicate without thinking about the potential legal repercussions that could follow (for example, regulatory scrutiny, shareholder lawsuits, employee lawsuits, etc.). To avoid a misstep that might compound a crisis,
The Employer’s Playbook: Communicating Through a Crisis Without Creating New Legal Risks Read More »
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
Minnesota Paid Leave starts Jan 1, 2026—up to 20 weeks paid for family/medical needs. Nov 15 private plan deadline! Synergy HR ensures compliance with legal-backed guidance.
Minnesota Paid Leave: Employer Checklist for 2026 Launch Read More »
Starting Jan 1, 2026, MN employers must provide 30-min unpaid meal breaks & 15-min paid rest breaks—or face double damages. Synergy HR ensures compliance.
Minnesota’s New Break Law (Effective Jan 1, 2026) Read More »
With the start of the upcoming new Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) it is important for employers to ensure that they have included a provision for concurrent leave in both their employee handbook and the notice that the state requires to be given to all employees by December 1, 2025. What is concurrent leave? It
Minnesota PFML 2026: Why Concurrent Leave Provisions Are Critical for Employers Read More »
Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota Paid Leave offers payments and job protections for employees needing time off for serious health conditions, family care, military support, or safety concerns. Most Minnesota workers are eligible, including full-time, part-time, and most seasonal employees, if they’ve earned at least $3,900 in the past year. Key Details Leave Types: Up
Minnesota Paid Leave: Your Guide to New Benefits and Protections Starting January 2026 Read More »
