Taking Care of HR Business

A blog from the attorneys of Verrill

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HR Power Hour with Heather Hansen

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Heather Hansen. This episode discusses how accent bias effects how individuals process information and make decisions, both in the work environment and in life generally. Heather is the Founder of Global Speech Academy...
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HR Power Hour with Dr. Keri Ohlrich

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Dr. Keri Ohlrich. This episode discusses the tools companies can use to better manage the challenging elements of the hybrid work environment. Dr. Keri Ohlrich is the CEO and co-founder of Abbracci Group...
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HR Power Hour with Robert Brooks and Elizabeth Johnston

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Robert Brooks and Elizabeth Johnston . This episode discusses the top four NLRB actions of 2023 that employers should be mindful of and steps that they can take to guard against an unfair...
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Maine Captive Audience Statute Requirements

For employers operating in New England, they are likely aware of Connecticut and New York’s recent captive audience statutes, but a quick re-cap on Maine’s recently enacted Captive Audience statute: Maine’s Captive Audience statute went into effect in September 2023, and includes a requirement that employers have postings in...
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HR Power Hour with Jeremy Vesta

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Jeremy Vesta. This episode addresses the hidden costs of insurance and how employers can commit to helping their employees understand their health conditions, embrace different treatment options and change behaviors to positively influence...
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HR Power Hour with Fernanda Anzek

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Fernanda Anzek. This episode discusses the effect “Quiet Cutting” has on DEI programs. Fernanda is Managing Director, HR Operations for Insperity where she leads teams that support small businesses with human resources and...
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HR Power Hour with Sabine Gedeon

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Sabine Gedeon. This episode discusses planning, training, and talent review as three areas that organizations can focus on to assist the next generation of leaders in finding success early in their career. Sabine...
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HR Power Hour with Heather Hansen

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Heather Hansen. This episode discusses how accent bias effects how individuals process information and make decisions, both in the work environment and in life generally. Heather is the Founder of Global Speech Academy...
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Time to Update Your Handbooks

Employers – a recent decision by an administrative agency you have likely never heard of will likely require you to revise your employment policies and handbooks. Some background: the National Labor Relations Act is a federal law granting employees the right to form or join unions and engage in...
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Connecticut Supreme Court Opinion Sheds Light on Quasi-Judicial Standard in Context of University Disciplinary Proceeding

Recently, the Connecticut Supreme Court analyzed the availability of absolute immunity for participants in quasi-judicial proceedings, specifically in relation to the dismissal of a complaint by a Yale University student stemming from sexual assault allegations made against him during the school’s disciplinary proceedings. The Court’s opinion and holdings have...
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DEI Efforts in the Wake of the Supreme Court’s College Admissions Decision

Last week the United States Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision ending a four-decade precedent which had allowed universities and colleges to consider the race of applicants during the admissions process. What, if anything, does this mean for private employer DEI efforts? First, the question before the Supreme Court...
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HR Power Hour with Elizabeth Johnston

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Elizabeth Johnston . This episode discusses pregnancy and the workplace. Liz is a regular contributor to Verrill’s Taking Care of HR Business blog and handles a variety of employment matters including working with...
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HR Power Hour with Melissa Denbow

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Melissa Denbow. This episode discusses how companies can become more engaged with their community through communicating the value of community engagement to team members. Melissa is Vice President Community Experience Manager at Machias...
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HR Power Hour with John Robertson

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to John Robertson. This episode discusses the skills, resources, and tools organizational managers should possess in order to decrease crises before they happen. John is the Founder and President of FORTLOG Services, he has...
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HR Power Hour with Carol Bowser

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to John Robertson. This episode discusses ways in which companies can provide tools and resources for employees to manage conflict and de-escalate conflict at work. Carol Bowser J.D is a workplace conflict expert. After...
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HR Power Hour with Dr. Keri Ohlrich

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Dr. Keri Ohlrich. This episode discusses the tools companies can use to better manage the challenging elements of the hybrid work environment. Dr. Keri Ohlrich is the CEO and co-founder of Abbracci Group...
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What’s Next: How to Respond to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Current Policies Surrounding Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Provisions

The Background: McLaren Macomb On February 21, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (“the Board”) decided McLaren Macomb , a case where a hospital offered severance pay to eleven permanently furloughed employees in exchange for the employees agreeing to sign a severance agreement. The severance agreements contained provisions that...
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HR Power Hour with Dr. Amy Wood

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to psychologist Dr. Amy Wood. This episode discusses ways that high performers can defy disruption and improve their focus. Dr. Wood is the author of the award-winning personal improvement book Life Your Way and...
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HR Power Hour with Sabine Gedeon

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Sabine Gedeon, Founder of She Leads Network and host of She Leads Now. This episode discusses how organizations can prepare the next generation of leaders. As the Founder of She Leads Network and...
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HR Power Hour with Alan Casavant

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Alan Casavant, Mayor of Biddeford. This episode discusses how the city of Biddeford, Maine, as a public employer, moved to a four-day work week and the tips for other organizations considering the same...
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HR Power Hour with Douglas Currier

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Douglas Currier, a Partner at Verrill. This episode discusses managing the practical and legal risks that difficult employees can bring to the workplace. Douglas began practicing law more than 30 years ago with...
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HR Power Hour with Jen Serei

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Jen Serei, SHRM-CP, HR Partner at MP. This episode discusses useful tips and best practices for first-time managers, as well as helpful reminders for more seasoned managers. Jen Serei is an HR Partner...
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Nondisclosure Provisions in Maine: Are Your Agreements Compliant?

In late 2022, a new Maine law took effect restricting the use and reach of nondisclosure provisions in Maine employment agreements. The new law, Nondisclosure Agreements in Employment , 26 M.R.S. § 599-C, is one of the most recent of similar state laws to be enacted that restrict an...
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The Speak Out Act: Key Points You Need to Know

With 2023 underway, employers should be mindful of new federal legislation affecting key provisions in their employment agreements. On December 7, 2022, President Biden signed into law the “Speak Out Act,” which prohibits enforcement of a pre-dispute nondisclosure clause or non-disparagement clause regarding claims of sexual assault or sexual...
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HR Power Hour with Melissa Denbow

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Melissa Denbow, President Community Experience Manager at Machias Savings Bank. This episode discusses the importance of relationship building through community engagement. Melissa started her career at Machias Savings Bank in October 1995 as...
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HR Power Hour with Chuck Mollor

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Chuck Moller. This episode discusses the importance of psychological safety at work, including why it’s important and how you can help to build a more psychologically safe work environment for your employees. Chuck...
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What You Need to Know About the FTC’s Proposed Non-Compete Ban

Today, January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) proposed a new rule that would ban companies from requiring non-compete agreements to be signed by employees and contractors (“Proposed Rule”). The FTC estimates that such a ban would affect 30 million Americans. The FTC’s reasoning behind the Proposed Rule...
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What Employers Need to Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“ PWFA ”). Here is what you need to know about the law: When does it take effect? June 27, 2023 Who is covered by the law? Individuals who work for employers with 15 or...
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HR Power Hour with Jeff Wozer- Digital Distraction

On this episode of HR Power Hour, join Verrill attorney Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Jeff Wozer. This episode discusses the effect screen time is having on productivity and proposed ways of combating digital distractions. Jeff Wozer is a writer, comedian and speaker having toured nationally for 20-plus...
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December Annual Update: End of Year Tips for Employers: Compliance & Beyond

To conclude our monthly webinar series, three Verrill attorneys provide end of the year tips for employers regarding complex labor and employment matters. With busy schedules this holiday season, this month's webinar has been pre-recorded so you can watch whenever is best for you. Part One: Five Tips to...
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