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 »
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,
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 »
AI in HR hiring presents significant concerns centered onbias and discrimination, data privacy, and the loss of human interaction. While AI offers efficiency benefits, organizations must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure fair and compliant hiring processes. Synergy HR discussed concerns about the use of AI generally and specifically, the danger of bias in hiring
Navigating the Risks of AI in HR and Recruitment 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 »
Employers are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence and automated decision-making (ADS) tools for human resources functions. They are valuable tools for HR professionals, and should be an integral aspect of the HR operations of today and the future. Consequently, it should be no surprise to employer lawyers that our clients will be held liable when discriminatory
Navigating AI in HR: Balancing Innovation, Compliance, and Accountability Read More »
Synergy Human Resources has been offering an HR care plan subscription for several years. A subscription will help you take the worry out of managing your HR. Our HR care plan is affordable, easy to access, reliable and convenient. You will receive well over 35 years of HR and employment law knowledge. We will get
Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota employers must allow expanded breaks to all employees in Minnesota. Currently, employers are only required to provide “sufficient time to eat a meal” every eight hours of work, and “adequate time from work” to use the nearest restroom every four hours. This will change to a thirty-minute meal break when
Very recently the Minnesota legislature and Gov. Tim Walz have passed two major laws that will substantively impact all Minnesota employers. First, recreational marijuana is now legal effective July 1, 2023. Secondly, the separate Omnibus Jobs bill contains two of the most significant new features of these laws. It will require employers to provide paid
Minnesota Passes Major Employment Laws Impacting All Minnesota Employers Read More »
