A recent decision from the Eighth Circuit provides good training material about what "not to do" if you want to your company to avoid being liable for discrimination, and possibly punitive damages.
The EEOC filed suit against Siouxland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, a medical clinic in Sioux Falls South Dakota. The complaint alleged that Siouxland terminated
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
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
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
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
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