In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series, three key members of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance Practice Group—Simone Francis (St. Thomas/New York), Scott Kelly (Birmingham), and Nonnie Shivers (Phoenix)—address the status of DEI initiatives as they face unprecedented scrutiny. The speakers start by level setting about the status of equal employment opportunity laws, Title VII, Section 1981, and protected characteristics, while outlinin...
May 21, 2025•14 min
In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series, Tom Davis (shareholder, Nashville) and Tom Stanek (shareholder, Phoenix)—both of whom are chairs of the firm’s Traditional Labor Relations Practice Group—are joined by Sara E. Olschewske (shareholder, Greenville) to provide the latest updates from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Our speakers reflect on the NLRB under the former administration, when the agency overruled significant precedent and created ne...
May 16, 2025•29 min
In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series, Jenn Betts (shareholder, Pittsburgh), Simon McMenemy (partner, London), and Danielle Ochs (shareholder, San Francisco) discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and provide an update on the global regulatory frameworks governing AI use. Simon, who is co-chair of Ogletree’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice Group, breaks down the four levels of risk and their associated regulati...
May 16, 2025•17 min
In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series, shareholders Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis/Atlanta), Chris Near (Columbia), and Jay Patton (Birmingham), provide updates about the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) under the new administration, as well as recent matters of interest to federal contractors. Jay offers listeners an update on the shortened EEO-1 filing cycle, along with anticipated changes for reporting on non-binary employees, as wel...
May 15, 2025•19 min
Ogletree Deakins’ new podcast series, Payroll Brass Tax, offers insights into frequently asked questions about employment and payroll tax. In the inaugural episode, Mike Mahoney (shareholder, Morristown/New York) and Stephen Kenney (associate, Dallas) discuss paid time off (PTO) donation programs, which allow employees to support each other during challenging times, such as natural disasters or prolonged illnesses. Stephen and Mike explain the three types of PTO donation programs—general, medica...
May 15, 2025•15 min
In the second part of the two-part Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series on changes employers can expect from the new administration, Jim Plunkett (shareholder, Washington, D.C.) continues his discussion on post-election policy changes with three additional panelists. Stacy Bunck (shareholder, Kansas City) covers the recent changes at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), including the Commission’s new makeup, its impact on the agency’s priorities and actions, a...
May 14, 2025•27 min
In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series, Luther Wright offers listeners an engaging discussion on how employers can create a cohesive and resilient workforce in the face of change, conflict, and uncertainty. Luther, who is the office managing shareholder of Ogletree’s Nashville office and the firm’s Assistant Director of Client Training, shares strategies for strengthening team connections, enhancing communication, and maintaining a positive work culture d...
May 14, 2025•20 min
In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Goli Rahimi (Chicago) and Lina Fernandez (Boston) discuss Chile’s new Karin Law, officially known as Law Number 21.647, and break down the law’s key provisions and its implications for employers. Lina and Goli explain how this comprehensive legislation aims to prevent and address workplace harassment and violence by establishing clear definitions, procedures, and preventive measures to promote safer and more respectful work environment...
May 13, 2025•7 min
In part one of this two-part Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series on changes employers can expect from the new administration, Jim Plunkett (shareholder, Washington, D.C.) sits down with Scott Kelly (shareholder, Birmingham) to discuss the current status and challenges faced by federal contractors following changes at the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) due to President Trump’s Executive Order 14173, including the revocation of EO 11246, compliance options,...
May 12, 2025•28 min
In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series, Dee Anna Hays (shareholder, Tampa) and Lucas Asper (shareholder, Greenville), who are co-chairs of the firm’s Multistate Advice and Counseling Practice Group, join Todd Duffield (shareholder, Atlanta) to discuss the latest tips and trends for multistate handbooks. Dee Anna, Lucas, and Todd touch on various state and local law-specific issues and key topics for employers’ consideration, including revisiting diversity...
May 09, 2025•22 min
In this installment of our Workplace Strategies Watercooler 2025 podcast series, the speakers from our interactive Accommodations Workshop offer an information-packed look at complex issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Jamie Brod Ashton (shareholder, Dallas) kicks things off by highlighting common mistakes employers often make during the interactive process, including failing to recognize requests for an accommodation, neglecting to conduct individualized assessments, and pro...
May 09, 2025•25 min
In this episode of our Multistate Monday podcast series, Dee Anna Hays (co-chair of the firm’s Multistate Advice and Counseling Practice Group), Susan Gorey, and Stephanie Generotti continue their discussion on E-Verify, I-9 requirements, and state-specific mandates. In part two of their conversation, they focus on three types of warrant-based scenarios—administrative, judicial, and operational search—and explain the purpose and scope of each type of warrant. They also emphasize the importance o...
May 05, 2025•19 min
In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Lina Fernandez (Boston) and Kate Thompson (New York/Boston) delve into the latest developments in Australia’s non-compete legislation. Kate and Lina specifically discuss the proposed ban on non-compete clauses for employees earning below the high-income threshold of $175,000 AUD, its potential impact on job mobility, and how businesses may need to adjust their strategies to protect sensitive information and retain top talent.
May 02, 2025•7 min
In this episode of our Multistate Monday podcast series, Dee Anna Hays, a shareholder in the firm’s Tampa office and co-chair of the Multistate Advice and Counseling Practice Group, sits down with Susan Gorey (senior counsel, Indianapolis) and Stephanie Generotti (of counsel, Tampa) to discuss the evolving landscape of E-Verify requirements across various states. They provide crucial insights on how employers can prepare for potential I-9 audits and non-warrant-based U.S. Immigration and Customs...
May 02, 2025•20 min
In this podcast, Shareholder Michael McKnight (Raleigh) and Associate Lauren Watson (Raleigh) discuss the primary privacy challenges that manufacturers face, including pitfalls and best practices surrounding employee monitoring, biometric data collection, and information storage, especially when employers use tools enabled with artificial intelligence (AI) to surveil employees. In addition, Lauren and Michael discuss how manufacturers can comply with various state and sector-specific privacy law...
May 01, 2025•23 min
In this podcast, Sacramento shareholders and co-chairs of the Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, Karen Tynan and Robert Rodriguez, discuss the significant changes brought by SB 553, California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Law, and the implications of its draft regulations. They review specific requirements of the draft regulations and how those requirements may lead to increased costs and overlap with existing requirements such as those in the workers' compensation system. Rob...
Apr 30, 2025•24 min
In this podcast, Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento) sits down with Stefan Borovina (of counsel, New York) to discuss the New York Retail Worker Safety Act and provide essential information for New York retail employers. Stefan and Karen, who is a co-chair of the Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, discuss how to determine which businesses are subject to the act, the act’s procedural history, key amendments, and compliance requirements. The speakers also take a deep dive into the act...
Apr 30, 2025•34 min
In this podcast, Karen Tynan and Robert Rodriguez—who are the co-chairs of Ogletree Deakins’ Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group—answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) on California’s workplace violence law. Robert and Karen, both of whom are shareholders in the firm’s Sacramento office, review essential training requirements, the importance of maintaining accurate violent incident logs, and best practices for involving employees in developing effective prevention plans to en...
Apr 29, 2025•25 min
In the second part of this two-part series, Ben Perry (shareholder, Nashville) and Lauren Watson (associate, Raleigh) discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered note-taking and recording tools in the workplace. Ben (who is co-chair of the firm’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice Group) and Lauren discuss the various risks and considerations companies may need to address when using AI tools, particularly focusing on data security, employee training, and compliance with evolving lega...
Apr 28, 2025•15 min
In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region series, John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) delve into the intricacies of OSHA’s Rapid Response Investigation (RRI) letter and the emerging trend of OSHA’s use of email questionnaires that the agency doesn’t treat like an RRI letters. Frank and John discuss the implications of these communications, how employers can respond, and the potential legal ramifications of responding to these communications, providing valuable i...
Apr 22, 2025•24 min
In part one of our three-part series on California’s new workplace violence prevention law, Robert Rodriguez (shareholder, Sacramento) and Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento) discuss the lessons employers have learned about workplace violence inspections during the law’s first year of implementation. Karen and Robert, who are co-chairs of the firm’s Workplace Violence Prevention Practice Group, explore how the enforcement of the new law, which took effect on July 1, 2024, is being managed and ...
Apr 21, 2025•24 min
In the first part of this two-part series, Ben Perry (shareholder, Nashville) and Lauren Watson (associate, Raleigh) discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered note-taking and recording tools in the workplace. Lauren and Ben (who is co-chair of the firm’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice Group) explore the benefits of these tools, such as automated transcription and meeting summaries, while also addressing the legal risks and compliance issues, including wiretapping laws, consent ...
Apr 21, 2025•17 min
In this podcast, Diana Nehro (shareholder, New York/Boston) sits down with Jamie Haar (of counsel, New York) to discuss the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's (DCWP) rigorous enforcement of the Earned Safe and Sick Leave Law and the Fair Workweek Law. Jamie and Diana provide an overview of these laws, including their requirements, compliance challenges, and the significant penalties for violations. Diana and Jamie also offer best practices for employers to mitigate risk...
Apr 18, 2025•27 min
In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Lina Fernandez (Boston) and Kate Thompson (New York/Boston) discuss the growing trend of “right to disconnect” laws that permit employees to disengage from work-related communications and activities during non-working hours. Kate and Lina explore how right-to-disconnect legislation is being implemented in various countries, including Spain, Peru, Colombia, Thailand, and Canada. Lina and Kate also highlight the importance for global emp...
Apr 16, 2025•14 min
In episode 12 of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (shareholder, Houston) sits down with Karen Tynan (shareholder, Sacramento) to discuss the intricacies of OSHA inspections and investigations. Karen and John cover how to effectively manage interactions with OSHA and ensure compliance. They also discuss the various types of inspections, the importance of understanding employer rights, and best practices for handling document requests, walkarounds, and employee interviews...
Apr 16, 2025•34 min
In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (San Diego) and Shirin Aboujawde (London), both of whom are members of the firm’s Cross-Border Practice Group, discuss what it means to be a non-resident employer, including the benefits and challenges associated with employing staff abroad without establishing a legal entity. Shirin and Patty address key legal and compliance risks, such as the importance of adhering to local employment laws and managing tax liabilities. ...
Apr 14, 2025•14 min
In this podcast, shareholders Chris Near (Columbia) and Lauren Hicks (Indianapolis, Atlanta) discuss federal contractors’ and subcontractors’ obligations in unwinding Executive Order (EO) 11246, which mandates affirmative action programs for women and minorities. Lauren and Chris focus on the new administration’s EO 14173, the ongoing requirements for affirmative action programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities, and the necessary adjustments contractors must make to their policies,...
Apr 11, 2025•26 min
In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Diana Nehro (New York/Boston), chair of the firm’s Cross-Border Practice Group, and Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) discuss the evolving legal landscape surrounding global Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements. Patty and Diana explore the concept of EORs and their implications for global employment, tax, and immigration policies. They highlight trends for employers to consider, such as the increasing assertion of jurisdiction by...
Apr 10, 2025•10 min
In this installment of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) delve into the intricacies of handling Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations. Frank and John discuss the stakes involved with OSHA citations, explore the potential hidden costs that extend beyond just the fines, and outline the key steps employers should consider when they receive a citation. The speakers also cover the informal conference process, the pro...
Apr 09, 2025•24 min
In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Carlos Colón-Machargo (shareholder, Atlanta) and Skye Hao (associate, Atlanta) discuss the specific regulations regarding meal periods for nonexempt employees in Puerto Rico. Carlos and Skye cover the unique rules, exceptions, and penalties related to meal breaks that employers must understand to ensure compliance and avoid costly liabilities.
Apr 04, 2025•8 min
