IBM Bans Use of Siri on Employees’ iPhones
New advances in technology for smartphones, tablets and computers, while eagerly embraced by users, often bring new risks of data breaches or loss of data privacy. Companies that allow their employees to use their own personal devices for work-related purposes may be especially vulnerable. Because of these risks, IBM recently decided to ban the use of Siri — the powerful voice-recognition software on the new iPhone — on employees’ phones.
Employee "Authenticity" in the Workplace Linked to Higher Job Satisfaction
Employers already know that embracing diversity in the workplace can help attract top talent. Now, a new study shows that it may also increase individual workers’ feelings of satisfaction with their jobs.
Utah’s Head of Technology Resigns after Huge Data Breach
It's crucial that sensitive information stored on computers be handled correctly in order to help defend against hackers who are eager to exploit any weakness in a system. In a recent example, hackers stole hundreds of thousands of online medical records from Utah state computers — a debacle that led to the resignation of the head of the state’s Department of Technology Services.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Introduced in Congress
If it passes, a new bill introduced in the House of Representatives in May will require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. The proposed legislation, called the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, would also prohibit employers from requiring pregnant employees to take leave when the employer could offer a reasonable accommodation instead, or requiring pregnant employees to accept accommodations they don’t want to take.
Medical Records of 2,000 Patients Breached after Theft of Laptop
As ever more important and sensitive data is being stored on laptops, the risk of data breaches continues to rise. Reports of another significant data breach resulting from the theft of a laptop serve as a reminder of how vulnerable sensitive data is to theft and how it's critical that employees take care to protect the data in their possession.
$15 Million “No Fatties” Lawsuit Can Go to Trial
In a case that highlights the risks of discriminatory behavior, a New York appeals court has given two former waitresses the go-ahead to take their $15 million lawsuit against their former employer to trial. The women, who were fired by their employer, an upscale New York City bar and restaurant, six years ago, are suing for retaliation, sexual harassment and discrimination.
Reporter Fired for Stripping on the Side Files Sex-Discrimination Complaint
A society reporter who was fired from her job after her employer found out she was moonlighting part-time as a stripper. The reporter filed a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC), alleging that her firing constituted gender discrimination.
Cleaning Company Ordered to Pay Damages for Worker Misclassification
A company that deliberately misclassified employees as independent contractors to avoid paying minimum wage and overtime recently was ordered to pay over $570,000 in damages for the misclassification.
Unwed, Pregnant Teacher Fired from Christian School Entitled to Sue School
A U.S. appeals court recently reinstated a teacher's lawsuit against the Christian school that fired her for becoming pregnant out of wedlock.
Second Circuit Decision Clarifies Law on Vicarious Liability, Retaliation
A recent decision by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals clarifies an employee's protection from retaliation when participating in an internal investigation and an employer's immunity for acts of its principals.
