This post in HR Observations (Hat tip: Ohio Employer’s Law Blog) explores whether obesity could be the next characteristic to become protected under the anti-discrimination laws. A group called the "Obesity Action Coalition" complains that discrimination against obese people is widespread. Employer concern about rising costs associated with employee health coverage, workers’ compensation costs
Mid-Summer Employment Law Update
Between a busy trial schedule and the other distractions of summer, we have been a little 
delinquent in keeping you up to date during the past couple of weeks. We apologize for the inactivity on the blog, as there have been many developments in the employment law world since our last posting at the end
Does Your Company Wellness Plan Discriminate?
A recent study of Iowa employers revealed that 51 percent offered some type of health screening to their employees. Many companies also offer other "wellness" benefits to encourage employees to exercise and adopt healthy lifestyles. The wellness program of a prominent Des Moines employer was recently profiled in the Des Moines Register (link here
Human Resources Challeges for 2009
A recent post at Human Resources Executive Online, entitled "Warnings from the Top". provides an excellent overview of some of the new challenges employers have been presented since the beginning of 2009. "Like it or not" say the authors, changes are coming, and employers better be prepared.
According to several attorneys the authors
EEOC Publishes Guidelines to Avoid Discrimination Against Caregivers
Employers should take note of a recent EEOC publication entitled "Employer Best Practices for Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities", available on the EEOC website, or by clicking here. 
Although an employee’s status as a caregiver is not protected under any federal or Iowa law, the EEOC nonetheless takes the position that discrimination against such employees can