February 24, 2023

Alex Berke quoted by Law 360: World Leaders' Exits Hold Lessons For Employers On Burnout

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been heightened awareness of employee burnout, as explored in Law360’s article, World Leaders' Exits Hold Lessons For Employers On Burnout. The article contains ideas from various employment lawyers on what employers can do to combat burnout and retain employees, including: paid sick leave, paid family leave, increased flexibility, and use of reasonable accommodations. 

Senior Associate Alex Berke stated: “Reasonable accommodations are a really good tool in the workplace for employees and employers," she said. "Employees on the verge of burnout might be experiencing depression, anxiety and they might need an accommodation like, 'I'm going to my therapist every week,' or 'I need a few days or weeks of leave.”

The reality is that more people are living with disabilities post-COVID-19, and it is essential for both employers and employees to understand the framework of reasonable accommodations. In doing so, they can create a culture of inclusivity and support for those who need it, while avoiding the costs of employee churn.

Read Anne Cullen’s article about employee burnout here.

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Princeton to Settle in Gender Pay Inequity Case

October 13, 2020
Gender Discrimination
Officials at Princeton University have agreed to settle a case regarding pay inequities for 106 full current and former female professors as part of the conclusion of a nearly decade long federal investigation into pay disparities at the university.

Employers Can Create the Future We Deserve, or Exacerbate Discrimination Against Parents - Especially Women

October 6, 2020
Gender Discrimination
Paid Family Leave
More than 865,000 women “left” the labor market in September 2020, demonstrating that the COVID pandemic is forcing women out of work. One in four women who are still in the workforce are considering downshifting their careers, or leaving the workforce entirely, due to the pressures of work and family care.Employers who are concerned about retaining their employees who are parents, especially mothers, can take some steps to ensure that parents are not forced to “choose” their families over their careers.

Employers Should Heed Doctor’s Advice When Accommodating Workers

October 6, 2020
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According to Peeples v. Clinical Support Options, Inc., No. 3:20-CV-30144-KAR, 2020 WL 5542719 (D. Mass. Sept. 16, 2020), providing the plaintiff with a mask was insufficient accommodation, holding “a majority of these so-called accommodations are workplace safety rules rather than an individualized accommodation to address Plaintiff’s disability.”

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