United States: Juries And The EEOC Take Aim At Pregnancy Discrimination

Back in the summer, we wrote about the Equal Opportunity Commission’s release of its updated enforcement guidance on pregnancy discrimination claims under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.  Under the PDA, discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions are a form of sex discrimination.  Two recent cases highlight that both juries and the EEOC intend to take pregnancy discrimination claims seriously.

In California, a former AutoZone employee sued AutoZone for retaliation and sex discrimination claiming she […]

By | November 21st, 2014 ||

United States: Dogs: An Office's Best Friend?

Employers across the country are recognizing the benefits of pets, especially dogs, in the workplace and implementing policies that allow employees to bring their pet companions to work.

Studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that pets in the workplace reduce stress1, increase trust and collaboration at work, stimulate creativity, reduce absenteeism, provide sensory stress relief2, and boost productivity. A 2012 study from Virginia Commonwealth University3, found that employees who were allowed to bring their dogs […]

By | November 20th, 2014 ||

United States: Waddya Mean I Can’t Wear My Diamond Ring To Work?

We have just heard about an apparent controversy at Starbucks over a new corporate dress policy — apparently the policy limits an employee’s right to wear certain types of jewelry, clothing and shoes.

Under the policy rings may not have stones in them, nose studs must be small and only two earrings per ear are permitted.

Tattoos cannot be on the face or throat and may not have lewd messages, and hair may not be in bright or “unnatural” […]

By | November 20th, 2014 ||