Dear Helga: You Won’t Believe What My Employee Did This Time
We’ve all said it: “I would write a book, but who would believe these stories are true?” Unfortunately, many of the tales are far too real! Whether the situation involves the increasingly complicated issues arising out of political conversations and debate at work, the rebound effects of #MeToo in the workplace and how to address them without losing our humanity, or the importance of demonstrating empathy and keeping employees motivated and engaged in a confusing and often-complicated world, the workplace has become far more complicated to manage. This fast-paced session focuses on uncommon HR issues and examines practical, business-focused solutions that you can use immediately to address those problems.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the effects of the #MeToo movement in the workplace and how to encourage managers not to lose their humanity.
- Recognize the importance of demonstrating empathy and confronting complicated issues in an increasingly complicated HR environment.
- Discuss and examine the potential risks associated with political conversation and debate at work in a presidential election year.
- Analyze how relevant employment laws are implicated in these often-tenuous employee relations and legal concerns.
Michael S. Cohen, J.D.
Michael S. Cohen is a partner in Duane Morris’ Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group. Michael concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling. He has trained and counseled employers throughout the country on subjects including harassment prevention; diversity, equity and inclusion; combatting implicit bias; performance management; discipline and discharge; hiring and recruiting practices; performance evaluations; FMLA, ADA and FLSA compliance; leave of absence policies; LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace; substance abuse testing; workplace violence; records retention; conducting background checks; and more. Michael also has conducted investigations into claims of harassment and discrimination and has drafted employee handbooks, employment agreements, non-compete agreements and post-termination agreements. Michael regularly conducts in excess of 200 trainings each year. He has represented clients throughout the country in EEO and other administrative proceedings.
Michael has been cited as a national authority on employment issues by The New York Times, The Associated Press, USA Today, MSNBC.com, HR Magazine, SHRM On-Line, Employment Law 360, Inside Counsel Magazine, as well as many other publications. Michael serves as an Advisory Board Member of GenHERation and as a Board Member of Serve, Inc. Michael is a 1997 magna cum laude graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law and a cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.