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When Is It Time? by Troy C. Kiefer
Sometimes it is very clear to a family when a loved one needs assisted-living or long-term nursing home care. Perhaps there has been an accident or a health emergency that signals that the loved one is going to need more assistance than what can be provided at home. But other times, a loved one’s decline is more gradual. There may be increased forgetfulness or a general growing inability to take care of one’s personal hygiene. It is a difficult decision to ask a loved one to leave their home and move to a facility, even if it is so that […]
Employment Issues Related to LBGTQ Employees Following Bostick by Ted T. Storer
Every employer faces challenges to meet the market demands to retain good employees and the legal obligations governing that relationship. This year continues to be a challenging year for employers for a number of obvious reasons, primarily COVID-19. In June, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that clarifies a socially sensitive issue on what discrimination based on sex (or gender) means. Title VII was enacted to prevent discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. In recent years, there has been a debate about whether Title VII protected lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. (“LBGT”) […]
Employer Policies in Fall of 2020 by Ted Storer
As Indiana businesses continue to deal with COVID-19, it may be a good time to review your employee handbook and to update policies in an ongoing COVID-19 environment.PlansEmployers should revisit their plans for working from this past Spring. These plans can be of great assistance in the event of a “second wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic and if new government restrictions are imposed, or if an outbreak occurs at the place of business. What is clear is that the employment environment is not the same as it was a year ago, and there is no certainty about when, or if, […]
Governor’s Proposed Mask Order by Ted Storer
Despite the efforts of individuals, organizations and governments, instances of COVID-19 are not going down. Like most states, Indiana has been gradually lifting its original Hunker Down orders with the Back-On-Track plan. Unfortunately, statistics show that instances of COVID-19 are increasing. On Friday, July 24, 2020, Governor Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-37 mandating the use of masks in public places. Masks are required for anyone 8-years-old or older while in indoor spaces, businesses, when using public transportation or other vehicle spaces and outdoor public spaces when it’s not possible to be distanced from other people. During the announcement preceding the order, […]
Revisit FFCRA and Return to School by Ted Storer
BackgroundIndiana employers continue to face employment issues related to return to work, absences and benefits due to COVID-19. Many employers have returned to work without substantial restrictions, but those who serve the public – like restaurants, beauty establishments and retail stores – continue to face restrictions on the number of customers they can serve. Local governments are increasing their efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19 by requiring masks, and the Governor announced his intention to require all citizens of Indiana to wear masks in public settings.Indiana citizens are also getting ready for school-aged children to return to school. School […]
Employee Payroll Tax Deferral by Ted Storer
On August 7, 2020, President Trump issued four (4) executive orders related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[1] The President identified that further temporary relief was necessary to support working Americans during these challenging times. The order that has caught the most attention is a Payroll Tax Deferral. On August 28, the IRS issued a Notice explaining the Payroll Tax Deferral in more detail What can be deferred? Employers and employees jointly share responsibility for a 12.4% levy that funds Social Security and a 2.9% tax to support Medicare. The Payroll Tax Deferral only impacts the Social Security portion of employment […]
Employment Issues Related to LBGTQ Employees Following Bostick by Ted Storer
Every employer faces challenges to meet the market demands to retain good employees and the legal obligations governing that relationship. This year continues to be a challenging year for employers for a number of obvious reasons, primarily COVID-19. In June, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that clarifies a socially sensitive issue on what discrimination based on sex (or gender) means. Title VII was enacted to prevent discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. In recent years, there has been a debate about whether Title VII protected lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. (“LBGT”) […]