As the holiday season approaches, New Jersey employers will likely face an increase in requests to accommodate employees’ religious observances. Such requests may include time off for religious holidays, modifications to work schedules, or adjustments to policies to accommodate religious practices during the workday. It is important for employers to understand their duties and obligations […]

When a person is found to have committed abuse or neglect in New Jersey, it can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate legal and personal ramifications. One significant area where such a finding can have a profound impact is on employment, particularly for those working in fields that involve vulnerable populations, such as children, the […]

Most employers are aware that they are required to provide reasonable workplace accommodations to employees with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). But did you know that those protections also apply to applicants during the job application process? Under the ADA and NJLAD, New Jersey employers […]

New Jersey has joined the growing list of states to decriminalize recreational, as well as medicinal marijuana use. This is in direct conflict with federal law, which still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance and has no medicinal use exemption. This conflict has the potential to create confusion for New Jersey employees and […]

The key to any successful mission is communication. Running a business is no different. New Jersey employers should communicate their expectations to their employees and have clear and comprehensive policies for how their harmonious and legally compliant workplace will function. An employee handbook or policy manual is an essential tool that not only sets the […]

It is imperative that New Jersey based employers address employee complaints of a hostile work environment in a thorough, timely, and efficient manner. Failure to do so could result in a toxic workplace culture, and even costly litigation. A hostile work environment typically involves conduct based on certain characteristics that are protected under state and […]

An employee handbook serves as a comprehensive guide that outlines expectations, rights, and responsibilities for both small business employers and its employees. An employee handbook provides clarity and consistency in employment practices. Small businesses often lack the resources and infrastructure of larger corporations, making it essential to have standardized policies and procedures in place. An […]

The Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA” 29 U.S.C. §§ 2601-2654) grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons while maintaining job protection.  An employee is “eligible” if they have worked for their employer for at least 12 months. Employers have a legitimate interest in maintaining smooth […]

New Jersey employers are required to comply with both the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”, 42 U.S.C. § 12102) and New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (“NJLAD”, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.) when dealing with a disabled employee. Both of these laws protect disabled employees from workplace discrimination, while the NJLAD’s protections extend to other protected characteristics, […]

Following enactment by President Biden, on June 27, 2023, the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) became effective. The PWFA enhances the accommodation protections for pregnant and postpartum workers and applicants in the workplace. The PWFA provides an affirmative right to qualified individuals to receive reasonable accommodations for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or […]