Yes — the Minnesota Paid Leave premium rate for 2027 remains unchanged at 0.88% of covered wages (the same as 2026).** Small employers pay a reduced rate of 0.66%. This was officially announced by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) / Minnesota Paid Leave on July 31, 2026 (the annual deadline under […]
Minnesota Paid Leave 2027 Rates: Still 0.88% (0.66% for Small Employers) Read More »
As employers continue recalibrating return-to-office expectations in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic, many are facing a steady stream of requests for full-time remote work as a disability accommodation under the ADA. Recent federal appellate decisions offer important guidance. Courts continue to treat these requests as highly fact-specific inquiries centered on the essential functions of
Remote Work as an ADA Accommodation: What Recent Court Decisions Mean for Employers Read More »
Does your company’s employee handbook prohibit the use of Walkmans in the workplace? Does your document retention policy mention floppy disks? Does your dress code policy refer to “clam diggers” and “pedal pushers?” Does your handbook look like it was created by Dr. Frankenstein with bits and pieces from many other policies and handbooks from
The Hidden Risks of an Outdated Employee Handbook (And How to Fix It) Read More »
In the first installment on FLSA classifications we suggested that employers perform an internal audit to assess compliance with FLSA and state law exemptions from overtime. In this post, we review a key strategic tool to address the misclassifications. Reclassification from exempt to non-exempt is a key compliance step under the FLSA. When done proactively,
FLSA Reclassification: 5 Steps to Move from Exempt to Non-Exempt Compliance Read More »
On Thursday, May 14, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a technical amendment formally restoring the pre-2024 regulatory text governing overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), implementing federal court orders that had already vacated the Biden-era salary threshold rule. For employers across the country, this development carries immediate and practical implications.
DOL Restores Pre-2024 FLSA Overtime Exemptions: $684/Week Salary Threshold Now in Effect Read More »
Employers are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the hiring process, deploying AI hiring tools across multiple stages of the employment funnel, including to manage application volume. Common AI hiring tools include: (1) passive recruiting technology to identify qualified candidates and invite them to apply to open positions; (2) resume scanners to rank or otherwise
AI Hiring Tools: New State Laws, Federal Risks & Compliance Strategies for Employers Read More »
On April 27, 2026, Bloomington, Minnesota repealed its Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance. As explained in the corresponding meeting agenda packet, “the primary purpose of Bloomington’s ESST ordinance, to guarantee paid sick and safe time, has been fulfilled by the statewide law.” Bloomington is the second Minnesota city to repeal its paid sick and safe leave ordinance
Bloomington Repeals ESST Ordinance: What Minnesota Employers Need to Know Read More »
Third-party harassment occurs when an employee faces discrimination or a hostile work environment caused by non-employees like clients or vendors. Employers have a legal duty of care to protect staff from such conduct under federal and most state laws. Discover how to identify signs of harassment and the strategic steps employees should take to protect
Employer Liability for Third-Party Harassment Under Federal and State Law Read More »
Historically, menopause has not been specifically identified as a protected medical condition under state and federal law, even though its related symptoms in many cases are medical conditions covered by existing leave and accommodation laws. That is rapidly changing. In 2025, Rhode Island became the first state to expressly require workplace accommodations for employees experiencing menopause
Menopause at Work: When Accommodation Expectations Become Explicit Law Read More »
Establishing a claim of unlawful discrimination or retaliation in the workplace requires, among other elements, that an employee show they experienced an “adverse employment action.” Since Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, 601 U.S. 346 (2024), where the U.S. Supreme Court held that an employee need not show “significant” harm, but only “some harm,” to establish an
Drafting Lawful Performance Improvement Plans After Muldrow and Walsh Read More »
