Conversations in today’s workplace can be easily and discreetly recorded. However, is it legal to record a conversation with your employer without his or her knowledge? The answer depends on your state’s laws and whether your employer has a policy that bans employees from recording conversations. One-Party Consent States Most states are “one-party consent” states, which means that recordings are permitted as long as just one party to the … [Read more...]
What to Do if You Lose Your Job During the Coronavirus Pandemic in Minnesota?
Close to one in five Minnesota workers is unemployed or has lost work in the past few weeks due to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, many Minnesotans are struggling to pay bills and living expenses with less income than usual or none at all. If your job has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, you should promptly apply for unemployment benefits. You May Be Eligible for Unemployment Benefits if: You … [Read more...]
What is the Difference Between Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault? What About Sexual Misconduct?
As a result of the #MeToo movement, an increasing number of people are reporting sexual misconduct. However, what is the difference between sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and sexual assault? While there is a lot of overlap, the terms have different meanings, which are described in more detail below. Sexual misconduct is a broad catchall term for inappropriate sexual behavior. The term does not refer to a specific crime or civil … [Read more...]
5 Types of Modern-Day Workplace Discrimination
Federal and state laws prohibit employers from discriminating against a job applicant or an employee because of the individual’s race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age, or disability. These five types of workplace discrimination are described in more detail below. Race Discrimination in Minnesota Race discrimination involves treating an individual unfavorably because he or she is … [Read more...]
Can My Company Force a Haircut Against My Religion?
Many religions, including Sikhism, Islam, and sects of Judaism, require that men and women do not cut their hair or that men do not shave their beards. Can employers force employees to cut their hair or shave their beards against their religion? It depends on the specific situation. Understanding Title VII Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers with at least fifteen employees from discriminating against individuals … [Read more...]
