Whether you were laid off, fired, or quit, the reality is you are now jobless in Seattle. Odds are you were let go on a Friday, which means you have the weekend to grieve, celebrate, or both. Come Monday though you have to formulate a plan to find a new job and make the most… Read More
Employment Blog
Here you can find the most recent employment law news and commentary on cases around the country. If you need assistance with employment law, don't hesitate to call us.
Going Back to Work After the Baby: Tips for Surviving the Return from Paternity Leave
More and more fathers are exercising their right to take advantage of the rights provided to them by the Family Medical Leave Act (and other similar state laws). These laws require employers who are subject to their requirements to hold jobs open while new parents care for and bond with their newborn child. Thankfully, more… Read More
Your Career After 50: Turning Passion Into a Job
What seemed like a good idea at 25 wouldn’t always be your first choice at 50. That goes for nights out, tattoos, and sometimes even careers. It isn’t uncommon for people over 50 to feel stuck in a job they just aren’t passionate about. Many post-Depression Era baby boomers picked a career for its practicality,… Read More
The Keys to Unlocking Workplace Happiness
Happiness at work: everyone wants it. But can everyone get it? Believe it or not, the answer is “yes.” Even if you’re not working your dream job, there are some things you can do to be happy wherever you are. Just remember the two R’s:relationships and results. Relationships People are happier at work… Read More
Can I Puff My Job Away Even if I’m Legally Smoking Marijuana?
When Colorado decriminalized the use of marijuana on January 1, 2014, many employees thought it would be safe to engage in their pastime on lunch breaks and outside work without fear of repercussions from their employer. After all, the citizens of that state scored an apparent victory by “legalizing” the use of pot. Unfortunately, employees… Read More
New Job? Tips for Avoiding the Misclassification Trap
You searched Craigslist for months and finally landed that new job. The terms seem acceptable, as they’ve offered to pay you a salary and give you something to do besides play video games and watch re-runs of SportsCenter for several hours a day. You may have even gotten a paycheck or two, giving you the… Read More
Morning Roundtable on Seattle Minimum Wage Increase
Morning Roundtable on Seattle Minimum Wage Increase With the national publicity the Seattle City Council’s June 2, 2014 vote to gradually increase the city’s minimum wage to $15 per hour has received, employees and employers alike have been left pondering how the increase will impact them. Accordingly, we will address the pressing questions raised by… Read More
Olé! How to Cope at Work During the World Cup
As the World Cup approaches, soccer fans across the U.S. will probably be found sitting at their desks at work, computer screens blocked from view while streaming games and attempting to stifle excited outbursts. But a small, Brazil-based craft beer company recently launched a campaign to ensure that “football” fans won’t have to miss a… Read More
Getting the Worm: Why Being a Morning Person Matters and How to Do It
The early bird gets the worm. And possibly the promotion. A new study suggests that employees who start their day earlier when given start-time flexibility are given higher performance ratings. Flexible work schedules are rising in popularity. Companies like Google allow employees to set their own hours or work from home whenever they need to…. Read More
Working With Words: GM’s List of Banned Words for Employees
“Hindenburg,” “powder keg,” “Titanic,” and “apocalyptic.” These words probably aren’t banned in your office, but General Motors instructed employees to avoid using these and other words and phrases—68 total—in internal communications about safety issues. Words like “deathtrap,” “widowmaker,” and “rolling sarcophagus,” are out, as are phrases such as “This is a death trap waiting to… Read More