In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the nuances of flexible leave policies, often mistakenly referred to as unlimited PTO. They explore the critical distinctions between terms like 'unlimited' and 'flexible,' the challenges in managing such policies, and the necessity of clear boundaries and approval processes. The conversation also covers the interaction between flexible leave and other types of protected leave, such as FMLA, emphasizing the importance of well-structured policies to ensure both employee respect and employer control. Join the discussion to gain insights into effectively implementing flexible leave policies in your organization.

00:00 Introduction to Leave Policies

01:00 Understanding Flexible Leave

01:30 Setting Limits and Parameters

02:30 Interaction with Other Leave Types

03:41 Communication and Professionalism

04:14 Conclusion

In this episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss important considerations for employers regarding employee references and referrals. Businesses need a centralized response system and a standardized policy for neutral references. Learn what the potential legal risks are associated with offering detailed evaluations. They also touch on how to handle references in severance agreements and the importance of remaining neutral to avoid complications. Join Sarah and Russell as they go over how to practically handle reference requests effectively and safely.

00:00 Introduction to Employee References and Referrals

01:04 Centralized Response and Policy Importance

01:54 Legal Risks and Neutral References

02:21 Emotional Factors and Practical Considerations

03:24 Severance Agreements and Negotiated References

04:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman explore the essential aspects of employment agreements. They discuss the importance of these agreements both at the beginning of an employment relationship and throughout its duration. The conversation includes considerations for at-will employment, the impact of state laws, and the practical and legal nuances of updating employment terms. Employers are urged to stay adaptable and thoughtful about their employment agreements, especially when circumstances change, such as promotions or policy updates. Join Sarah and Russell as they provide valuable insights on how to effectively manage employment agreements in your business.

00:00 Introduction to Employment Agreements
00:23 When to Consider Employment Agreements
00:55 State-Specific Considerations
01:36 Practical Implications of Employment Agreements
02:10 Handling Employee Refusals
03:04 Adapting Agreements for Promotions and New Roles
03:38 Final Thoughts and Best Practices
04:04 Conclusion