No one likes summer homework, but due to passage of several recent pieces of legislation, employers should consider giving their employee handbooks a summer refresh.  Here’s a rundown of four new laws that could merit updates: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: The PWFA, which went into effect June 27, requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations […]

Don’t let the prevalence of generous parental leave policies and cozy lactation rooms cause you to think pregnancy discrimination claims are a thing of the past.  A recent survey showed that 1 in 5 mothers feel that they have experienced pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. Furthermore, nearly 1 in 4 mothers report that they have […]

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act goes into effect June 27, 2023 and requires employers to provide accommodations to pregnant employees. Miller Johnson attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey explain the changes and what employees need to do to prepare. You can also listen to this and future episodes by subscribing to the “Lawyers Off the […]

On May 12, 2022, Michigan passed Public Act 75 of 2022 (the “Act”). This Act amended Michigan’s Penal Code to require places of public accommodation to modify their policies, practices, and procedures to permit the use of a service animal in training. Previously, only service animals themselves were required to be accommodated under Michigan law. […]

Are you unsure if your company is up to speed on Family and Medical Leave Act? Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey dive into some tips on how to get back into FMLA shape. You can also listen to this and future episodes by subscribing to the “Lawyers Off the Clock” podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many workplace cultures. One unexpected impact is the rise of requests to bring animals to work. According to the Washington Post, nearly 1 in 5 American households nationwide adopted a pet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees who were recently working from home may now request to bring their animals to […]

What is Coronavirus?  COVID-19 (Coronavirus) usually causes respiratory illness. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. What are some key legal employment issues related to Coronavirus and the workplace? Occupational Safety […]

Cold and flu season is upon us. For the week ending January 18, 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that 2.2% of all outpatient visits were due to care related to influenza-like symptoms. Additionally, on January 27, the Department of State issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for all of China, […]