Employees may be subjected to a tactic called "quiet firing" from their employers. In short, quiet firing is an attempt to push an employee out the door by making their workplace toxic or otherwise shutting them out. If an employee quits before an employer fires...
Employment Law
How to handle an employee’s unpaid wage claim
Handling an employee's unpaid wage claim can seem challenging. It is important to address it promptly and fairly. Understand the claim The U.S. Department of Labor accepts unpaid wage claims in its Wage and Hour Division. An employer needs to understand the details of...
Are you really an independent contractor? The DOL’s 6-factor test
Determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee is crucial for businesses and workers. The Department of Labor (DOL) has established a six-factor test to help identify the true nature of a working relationship. Misclassification can lead to...
Handling an employee’s discrimination complaint: 2 crucial steps
Employers strive to cultivate a fair and inclusive work environment for all their employees. However, even with the best intentions, situations can arise where an employee feels discriminated against based on a protected characteristic like race, gender or disability....
What are the rules about tip pooling?
In general, tips are provided directly to the employees who earn those tips. These may be paid on a credit card, as a portion of the bill, or cash may be left on the table. When a business has multiple tipped employees, they will all take their own personal tips home....
Employers, conscious or unconscious bias can invade your company
Idaho's anti-discrimination laws shield employees from intentional and unconscious bias, a subtler form of discrimination that can creep into the workplace. In other words, your actions and policies could unknowingly disadvantage certain groups, even with no malicious...
What is quid pro quo sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is a frustrating and sometimes confusing experience. There can be a fine line between flirting and violating someone's basic rights. Even those who feel very uncomfortable because of the misconduct of co-workers may feel confused about their rights...
What constitutes wrongful termination in an at-will state?
Idaho is an at-will employment state. Statutes in Idaho allow workers to leave a job at any time without facing legal consequences for doing so. Employers can similarly terminate workers with little notice and for many different reasons. In fact, at-will employment...
The importance of properly classifying workers
Companies in Idaho and throughout the country are responsible for accurately deciding if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Although using the independent contractor label may be advantageous for a company, the IRS has strict guidelines as to the...
Signs of age discrimination in the workplace
Employers in Idaho and elsewhere are prohibited from using age as a primary factor in hiring, promoting or otherwise developing workers who are 40 or older. Although age discrimination can be hard to prove, there are several telltale signs that you may be a victim....