Illinois has a law called the One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA) that has been in effect since the beginning of 2023. As the name suggests, it requires employers to give workers at least one 24-hour period off every seven calendar days. The purpose is to ensure that...
Breastfeeding mothers returning to work often face tough challenges. Balancing the needs of a new baby while meeting job expectations is no small task. One key issue that many women encounter is the right to pump breast milk during the workday. Thankfully, both...
A good employee can be hard to find. It’s only natural that a company wouldn’t want its top talent to work for a competitor. But can an employer add a non-compete clause to your employment contract? Illinois Freedom to Work Act Non-compete agreements (NCAs) restrict...
The workplace should be a safe and inclusive environment, but what happens when your religious beliefs intersect with your job? Employers have a legal responsibility to accommodate employees' religious practices, but can they demand proof of your religion? This...
Age should not be a barrier to fair treatment at work. However, many older employees face unfair assumptions that affect their careers. These stereotypes can lead to missed opportunities, job loss and even workplace discrimination. Below are some common misconceptions...
If you’re experiencing workplace harassment or discrimination, the stress can feel unbearable. You might think quitting is the best way to escape the situation, but doing so could hurt your ability to hold your employer accountable and seek justice. Here is why...
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), most employers are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. These adjustments help workers perform their jobs. The only valid reason for a non-exempt employer to refuse a...
It's unlawful to be harassed in your workplace based on your identity attributes, such as race, skin color, age, gender identity, sexual orientation and national origin. If you are treated unfavorably based on these characteristics and the action creates a hostile...
The start of a new year typically features new state employment laws. Fortunately, here in Illinois, those new laws generally expand employee rights. Several of the new employment-related laws that took effect on January 1 involve amendments to the Illinois Human...
Rushing to court after a wrongful termination might feel like the right move, but it’s crucial to hold off for a bit. Filing a lawsuit without understanding your rights or assessing the specifics of your case could backfire and harm your chances of a successful...