Preparing for a new baby is an exciting time for pregnant women. Unfortunately, even though there are laws to protect them, pregnant workers can have a hard time because of unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace. It is important for expectant mothers to understand the challenges they may face while at work. Feeling continually uncomfortable Being pregnant can be physically tough with issues like excessive tiredness and constantly feeling sick. These women may find themselves struggling to perform their duties effectively while facing insensitive remarks or unequal treatment from c ..read more

In the professional realm, white-collar fraud can cast a shadow on the integrity of any workplace. Identifying red flags early on helps maintain a healthy work environment and protects both you and the organization. Inconsistencies in financial records In May 2021, the government prosecuted 319 white-collar crimes according to the Transaction Records Access Clearinghouse. One of the telltale signs of white-collar fraud is irregularities in financial records. Watch for discrepancies between reported profits and actual financial performance as well as disproportionate or unjustified expenses. Un ..read more

Experiencing a lack of accommodation for a disability in the workplace can create a stressful and challenging environment. Such an issue can be even more difficult to navigate if your employer does not recognize or respond to your needs appropriately. When you have a disability, certain accommodations can be essential for your daily work. But what can you do if your Georgia employer does not make these necessary adjustments? Consider these steps you can take to address this situation. Understanding your rights Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must provide reasonable a ..read more

When Georgia residents initiate whistleblower investigations, they’re understandably a bit nervous. Being a whistleblower means filing a complaint against a private, government, or public organization that you work with or for. Filing a complaint is a nerve-wracking endeavor to take on, but knowing what to expect during a whistleblower investigation may help people feel more confident about the task ahead of them. What can someone expect from a whistleblower investigation? The employee (Complainant) files a whistleblower complaint against a company (Respondent) with the Occupational Safety and ..read more

It is often the case that the spotlight of being denied paternity leave is on the mother. Although these cases certainly happen and are important, the fact is that fathers also experience issues in requesting paternity leave. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, both mothers and fathers are allowed to ask to take time off work for up to 12 weeks without pay. After this time, fathers are allowed to come back to work as if nothing had changed. However, there are certainly cases in Georgia and across the nation when issues arise before or after their request. The following includes a ..read more

Whistleblowers are American heroes. They put all aspects of their life on the line to report fraud, criminal activity, or threats to the environment and public safety. Whistleblowers must do what they can to protect their families, their jobs, and even their physical well-being.  Before you pick up the phone, here are five things you need to know. 1. Understand your rights first The Georgia Whistleblower Statute offers protections for citizens trying to do the right thing. Know what actions you can take and the levels of protection that you can expect before you begin. 2. Consider remaini ..read more

If you witness an example of fraudulent behavior at your company, you know that the right thing to do is blow the whistle. However, it is perfectly reasonable to fear retaliation or other consequences that the company might try to bring down upon you. Whistleblowers are relatively common in health care, education or any other industry that works closely with the government. Once you understand how the law acts to protect you from certain potential consequences, you will be able to confidently move forward with your whistleblower claim. Can I lose my job? The most common fear among potential wh ..read more

As parents age, their adult children may need to take time away from work to care for them. The decision to do so may require an employee to choose between their career and their family. The Family Medical Leave Act, FMLA, provides a solution because it allows qualifying employees to take a leave of absence without losing their job. An employee does not have to take 12 weeks off in one block Employees who work for a company that qualifies for FMLA have a total of 12 weeks of unpaid time off per 12 months. The time away from work does not need to occur during one block of time. Employees can ta ..read more

Whether you are considering having a child, already pregnant or about to welcome a new life into the world, you may have deep concerns about how pregnancy and birth will impact your job. From dealing with new physical challenges during pregnancy to taking time off work to recover and provide early care, you may worry that you will have to choose between financial security and the needs of your family. 1. How does the law protect women during pregnancy? Pregnancy may temporarily limit your ability to perform certain tasks, especially if you experience complications. If your company has a certai ..read more

You may have discovered that, on some occasions, the best part of a job is leaving it. Despite your best efforts, there may have been a conflict between you and your employer or you had requirements to perform duties you found unacceptable. Often, you do not have the opportunity to secure new employment before you leave an unsuitable job. Occasionally, some find that their former employer is still haunting them, either by extremely negative job reviews or by blacklisting them with potential new employers. You may wonder if this is legal in Georgia and if you have any recourse. What is a former ..read more