Over the last two decades, obesity levels in the United States have been on the rise along with a growing concern of discrimination based on weight in the workplace. As a result, states and local governments are starting to take action. In Washington, it is therefore illegal for employers to refuse to hire qualified potential employees because the employer perceives them to be obese.
Discover the vital role of the spirit of your business plays in driving success and shaping decisions, including legal infrastructure. Equinox recognizes the significance of the spirit and purpose of your business as a guiding light, setting you apart, attracting customers, unifying your team, and gaining stakeholder support. Through our comprehensive Business Health Assessment, we take a holistic view of your business's spirit, mind, and body, providing personalized guidance to fortify your business's health through a strong legal foundation. Start your assessment now to empower your journey towards success.
Prohibiting nondisclosure and nondisparagement provisions from employers regarding illegal acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and sexual assault.
Employers should be aware that the FTC requires disclosure of an employee's employment relationship when making an endorsement on social media for the company they work for. The disclosure must be in simple and clear language and placed conspicuously. The FTC recommends that companies establish a social media policy that includes these disclosure requirements, consistently enforce the policy, and provide employees with training. Employers that direct employees to create or share social media posts should implement a policy and monitor the posts for compliance. To avoid potential legal issues, it is important for employers to follow these guidelines to ensure compliance with the FTC's rules.
Small businesses face numerous challenges, from competition to financial instability to legal risks. By using the power of law, small businesses can protect themselves, level the playing field, and succeed. In this blog post, we'll explore how small businesses can use the law to protect the business they love, like Elle Woods in the movie "Legally Blonde" shows us that anyone, regardless of their background or stereotypes they may face, can make a positive impact using the law.
Diversity initiatives in business have become front and center over the past year. It’s not new, though. Studies have shown that diversity on our teams drives innovation and positive results. But only recently have businesses really considered what actionable steps they can take to increase diversity. For many businesses, the desire to increase diversity in... View Article
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is an increasingly popular topic, impacting the rise of new laws such as Washington’s boardroom diversity requirements. However, aside from legal compliance, research makes a consistent and strong business case for diversity. A 2020 McKinsey study finds that the most diverse companies are 25% more likely to experience above-average profitability... View Article
The superpowers needed to be a working mother are unmatched by any known force. Working mothers have taken on more responsibilities as the pandemic has uprooted their lives, managing remote learning schedules and juggling childcare needs. Our team honors and commends working mothers, praising their value and commitment to both family and professional life. You... View Article
Despite the push in recent years for increased gender equality in the workplace, many company boardrooms are still largely male-dominated. In June of 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed SSB 6037 into law in an effort to recognize the many qualified women in the Pacific Northwest. Developed by the Washington State Women’s Commission, the law aims... View Article
