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HR Review
July 2023

Groff v. DeJoy: A Landmark Verdict Impacting Religious Accommodations in the Workplace

Employee praying at their desk

The Supreme Court’s recent Groff v. DeJoy verdict marked a turning point for workplace religious accommodations. Gerald Groff, an evangelical Christian, took legal action against his employer, the U.S. Postal Service, over disciplinary actions due to his refusal to work on Sundays. The court ruled that denial of religious accommodations by employers is permissible only when it results in significant business cost increase.

This decision shifts the interpretation of “undue hardship” under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Consequently, larger companies may struggle to deny accommodations due to their capacity to bear higher costs. The verdict reinforces that hardships resulting from religious intolerance are unacceptable. In response to this ruling, businesses must ensure adequate training for personnel who review religious accommodation requests to comply with the new standards effectively.

Learn More About the Impact of Groff v. DeJoy Here

Catching Rays, Not Risks: Emphasizing UV Safety This July

As July brings not only summer fun but also UV Safety Awareness Month, it’s a timely opportunity to focus on sun safety at the workplace. With skin cancer being the most common cancer in the US, these five prevention tips can significantly contribute to your team’s well-being:

1. UV Safety Challenge

Encourage employees to apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) at least four times a week. To enable participation, consider offering rewards such as well-being program points or short breaks for those who meet the challenge.

2. On-Site Spot Checks

Partner with the American Academy of Dermatology to offer free on-site skin cancer screenings. This not only provides a convenient health service but also emphasizes the importance of skin health.

3. Fun in the Shade Challenge

The UV exposure is at its peak between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Encourage employees to spend time outdoors during these hours but in the shade. They could read, picnic, meditate, or even take a midday nap.

4. Sun Safety Kits

If your budget allows, assemble a sun safety kit for your employees. It could include sunglasses, a lightweight long-sleeved T-shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen.

5. H2O Required Challenge

Hydration is key in summer to prevent heat-related illnesses and maintain overall health. Encourage employees to keep a large bottle of water handy and sip regularly.

Promoting UV safety and taking preventive measures against skin cancer is a commitment to your employees’ long-term health. As an employer, your dedication to their well-being, both inside and outside the workplace, can strengthen your organization’s culture and lead to a happier, healthier team.

Empower Your Team with Comprehensive Health Coverage: Learn More

Sun, Sea, and Staff Vacations: Your Guide to Employee Vacation Planning

Two employees talking to each other.

Ensuring the wellness of your team members is a top priority, and the way you manage their time-off requests can significantly contribute to their overall well-being. Streamlined vacation planning doesn’t only boost your employees’ morale but also aids in reducing long-term sickness and staff turnover, ultimately fostering a healthy work environment.

To prepare for employee vacation season, consider these best practices:

Review the Vacation Policy

Ensure that the policy is clear about vacation entitlements, submission of requests, and how conflicting requests are handled. Encourage open communication to allow your team to voice their feedback on the existing procedures.

Leverage Efficient Tools

Utilize tools like HR management software to simplify vacation request processing. Features like an Absence Calendar can give you a holistic view of schedules, helping avoid overlapping vacations.

Conduct Pre-Vacation Meetings

Meet with employees before time off to understand pending tasks and deadlines. Create a ‘cheat sheet’ for the team to reference, answering potential questions that may arise during the employee’s absence.

Remember, effective vacation planning increases productivity and boosts employee happiness, which are crucial for the success of your business.

Building Stronger Teams with Summer Fun

Summer team building in office

As we adapt to various work arrangements, team-building activities remain an important part of fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. This summer, whether your team is remote, hybrid, or on-site, we have a list of fun-filled activities to strengthen connections and boost morale:

Virtual Summer Photo Contest

Encourage your team members to share photos capturing their summer experiences. Not only does this activity showcase individual experiences, it also facilitates conversation and bonding.

Outdoor Fitness Challenge

An excellent way to promote physical health and team bonding. For remote teams, organize a step challenge where members log daily steps or a yoga challenge where members share photos of their favorite poses.

Virtual Cookout

Have a virtual cooking session where each member shares their favorite summer recipe. It’s a fun and unique way to learn new recipes and about different cultures.

Book Club

Summer is a great time to dive into a good book. Start a book club and pick a book that aligns with your company’s values or goals. Schedule weekly discussions to share thoughts and insights.

Remember, these activities aim to strengthen team bonds and maintain a strong, connected culture, regardless of physical location.

Happy summer team building!

The CROWN Act: Texas’ Stance Against Hair-Based Discrimination

In a landmark decision, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the CROWN Act (House Bill No. 38) into law in May, making Texas the 21st state to outlaw racial discrimination based on hair texture or hairstyle within educational institutions, workplaces, and housing scenarios. Effective September, this amendment to Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code forbids the adoption or enforcement of discriminatory dress or grooming policies related to an individual’s hair texture or protective hairstyles commonly or historically associated with race.

As the acronym “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” suggests, the CROWN Act aims to address racial prejudice and bias tied to hair texture and style, particularly impacting Black women. Texas employers are advised to ensure their EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and dress/grooming policies accommodate these new regulations, in addition to training their workforce to adapt to this policy.

Learn More About the CROWN Act
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