Workplace 2008 Upstate (May & June 2008)

March 7, 2008

The legal and practical issues that employers face have become increasingly complex. Employers need to know the steps they can take to avoid, or at least minimize, the liability associated with their employment decisions. Mindful of this need, we have developed an agenda covering a range of topics designed to assist employers with their risk management efforts.

PHR and SPHR Credit
Approval is pending for recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) for this program. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org.

7:45 - 8:15
Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:15 - 8:30
Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

8:30 - 9:00
Update on Major Workplace Developments

9:00 - 10:30
Successfully Managing Leaves of Absence

  • Leaves of absence as a reasonable accommodation
  • Minimizing the impact of protracted leaves of absence
  • Recognizing FMLA issues and review of proposed FMLA regulations

 

10:30 - 10:45
Break

10:45 - 12:00
Breakout Session A (Choose one)

Conducting a Human Resources Audit

  • How to conduct a human resources audit without creating harmful documentation
  • Review of workplace laws unique to New York State
  • Review of handbooks and policies

 

Recent Developments in the Electronic Workplace

  • Privacy rights and employees' use of computers
  • How to respond to an employee's inappropriate use of computer systems
  • Employer's obligations concerning the retention of electronic data

 

All Good Things Must Come To An End: Knowing How and When to Terminate Employee Benefits

  • Terminations, leaves of absence, strikes, and layoffs
  • Negotiating separation agreements
  • FMLA and USERRA issues
  • Required labor law notices
  • Related employee benefits issues

 

12:00 - 12:45
Lunch

12:45 - 1:15
Luncheon Program: Legal Jeopardy

  • Quiz game addressing a variety of human resources issues

 

1:15 - 2:30
Breakout Session B (Choose one)

Immigration Law: A World of Enforcement and Opportunity

  • Federal, state and local immigration law developments
  • Employing professionals in the global labor market
  • Temporary and permanent employment visa sponsorship
  • Social Security no-match, E-Verify and I-9 regulations

 

Conducting a Human Resources Audit

  • How to conduct a human resources audit without creating harmful documentation
  • Review of workplace laws unique to New York State
  • Review of handbooks and policies

 

The Evolving Theory of Harassment: Are You Doing Everything You Can To Defend Against Harassment Claims?

  • Using policies and training to prevent harassment
  • Understanding the full range of harassment claims that can be brought against an employer
  • Workplace bullying

 

2:30 - 2:45
Break

2:45 - 4:00
The BSK Players Present: A Two Act Play
1. Familial / caregiver discrimination issues
2. Retaliation issues after Burlington Northern