What should you do if the Department of Labor shows up at your door? In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, Pam Howland sits down with attorneys Doug Plass and Jennifer Walrith to discuss how employers can prepare for — and respond to — a DOL wage and hour audit.

They cover what to expect during an investigation, how to stay organized and cooperative without oversharing, and why having a plan (and your attorney’s number on speed dial) can make all the difference. The team also walks through common violations — from overtime and tip pooling to child labor and nursing mother requirements — and shares practical steps to minimize your risk before the DOL ever comes calling.

Key takeaways:

• What triggers DOL audits and which industries are targeted most
• How to respond when an investigator arrives unannounced
• What records you’re required to provide (and what you’re not)
• The importance of documentation and keeping copies
• How counsel can help protect your business and limit penalties

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

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In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, attorneys Pam Howland, Doug Plass, and Jennifer Walrath sit down to unpack one of the most common sources of employer headaches — wage and hour compliance.

They cover what every employer should know about:

• Properly classifying employees as exempt or non-exempt
• Keeping accurate time and pay records
• Calculating overtime 
• Handling final paychecks, deductions, and safe harbor policies
• Idaho-specific wage laws to keep in mind

Whether you’re a new business or a seasoned employer, this episode walks through the fundamentals you need to avoid costly wage claims and DOL audits — and keep your workplace in compliance.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

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In this special episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, we’re giving you a front-row seat to our recent Workplace Investigations Workshop.

You’ll hear from attorney Megan Egbert as she kicks off the training with the all-important question: Why should employers conduct workplace investigations? Megan unpacks the legal duty to investigate, how it strengthens your defenses against claims, and why it’s one of the most effective tools for protecting your organization and employees.

This is just the first 30 minutes of our half-day workshop packed with strategies, case law, and practical guidance. The complete recording will be available for purchase in a couple of weeks. Reach out to us at [email protected] for the details!

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
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With everything going on in workplaces right now, we thought this was the perfect time to revisit one of our most important episodes. Retaliation claims remain the number one issue filed with the EEOC — making up nearly 40% of all charges. In this replay, we break down what retaliation looks like, how leaders can spot it, and most importantly, how to avoid it.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

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In today’s politically charged climate, employers are facing more pressure than ever when employees’ social media posts spark controversy at work. Posts that blur the line between personal expression and workplace impact raise tough questions:

• What control do employers really have over employees’ online activity?
• Does it matter if a post identifies the employer — by name, uniform, or profile?
• How can businesses protect their reputation without overstepping?
• How far can discipline go before liability risks arise?
• What policies and procedures set the best guardrails?

In this episode of Ground Rules, Pam, Doug, and Jennifer explore the legal and practical risks of disciplining employees for social media posts, drawing lessons from recent cases and offering strategies to help employers respond thoughtfully and lawfully.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

Registration is open for our Workplace Investigations Workshop on September 25—a half-day, hands-on workshop for HR professionals, business owners, and leaders who want to handle investigations with confidence and compliance. Register Here!

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

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What happens when an employee needs more than one accommodation—or when new disabilities come to light after the process has already started? In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, Pam, Jennifer, and Doug break down the complexities of handling multiple accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Through real-life examples involving mental health, substance use, and physical health conditions, they explore:

• How to manage overlapping or evolving disabilities
• The importance of healthcare provider input (even from multiple providers)
• Why patience and clear communication are essential in the interactive process
• Best practices for supervisors and HR teams to stay compliant and effective

Employers will walk away with practical strategies for navigating these tricky situations while protecting both their workplace and their legal obligations.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

Registration is open for our Workplace Investigations Workshop on September 25—a half-day, hands-on workshop for HR professionals, business owners, and leaders who want to handle investigations with confidence and compliance. Register Here!

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn
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In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, Pam Howland, Doug Plass, and Jennifer Walrath are joined by our summer intern, Alisha Hopkins, for a timely look at how artificial intelligence is changing hiring—and where employers can stumble. From real-world misfires (like Amazon’s resume-screening example) to the EEOC’s iTutorGroup settlement and a fast-evolving patchwork of state and local rules, we unpack the legal risks, what’s on (and off) the books federally, and practical steps to use AI responsibly in recruiting.

Key Takeaways:

• Bias isn’t hypothetical: AI can mirror historical inequities in training data and disadvantage protected groups—even when discrimination isn’t intended.
• Liability still lands on employers: Companies can face claims if their AI screens out candidates unlawfully (e.g., the iTutorGroup settlement).
• Laws to know now: Illinois’ AI Video Interview Act and NYC’s Local Law 144 (bias audits + notice) are already in effect.
• What’s coming next: California (Oct. 1, 2025), Illinois (Jan. 1, 2026), and Colorado (Feb. 1, 2026) add expansive obligations like audits, risk management, and reporting.
• Do this today: Conduct regular bias/impact audits, build a risk management and human-oversight layer, disclose AI use to applicants, and offer alternatives when possible.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

Registration is open for our Workplace Investigations Workshop on September 25—a half-day, hands-on workshop for HR professionals, business owners, and leaders who want to handle investigations with confidence and compliance. Register Here!

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
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In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, Pam Howland, Doug Plass, and Jennifer Walrath sit down with HR consultant Monica Frame to talk about the major trends she’s seeing across organizations in 2025. With over 25 years of HR leadership experience, Monica brings a commonsense and pragmatic perspective to the challenges employers are facing today. From cost-cutting pressures to the rise of AI in HR functions, increasing leave and accommodation requests, the discussion explores what’s really driving change in the workplace—and what employers need to know to keep up.

Registration is open for our Workplace Investigations Workshop on September 25—a half-day, hands-on workshop for HR professionals, business owners, and leaders who want to handle investigations with confidence and compliance. Register Here!

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn
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In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, Pam Howland, Doug Plass, and Jennifer Walrath dive into the unsettled and rapidly changing state of LGBTQ+ protections in the workplace. From the landmark Bostock Supreme Court decision to executive orders, shifting EEOC guidance, and new lawsuits challenging federal enforcement, employers are left with more questions than answers. The hosts break down what’s happening now, what employers can and cannot rely on, and how to best prepare for compliance while maintaining a respectful workplace.

Registration is open for our Workplace Investigations Workshop on September 25—a half-day, hands-on workshop for HR professionals, business owners, and leaders who want to handle investigations with confidence and compliance. Register Here!

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn
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In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of employment agreements, including their necessity, risks, and benefits. They emphasize the importance of understanding the implications of such agreements in an at-will employment state like Idaho. The conversation covers when to use employment agreements, key provisions to include, and the significance of termination clauses. Additionally, they address confidentiality and non-compete provisions, legal compliance, and the need for regular updates to employment agreements to ensure they remain enforceable. Best practices for drafting and implementing these agreements are also highlighted.

Registration is open for our Workplace Investigations Workshop on September 25—a half-day, hands-on workshop for HR professionals, business owners, and leaders who want to handle investigations with confidence and compliance. Register Here!

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn
📧 Sign up for our email blast
📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program
👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers