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!

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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!

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A poorly handled workplace investigation can damage morale, tank culture, and open the door to legal risk. In this episode of Ground Rules, Pam Howland, Jennifer Walrath, and Doug Plass pull back the curtain on how to get investigations right—from the first complaint to the final report.

They share:

• The most common triggers for investigations (and some surprising ones)
• Frequent mistakes that derail the process before it even begins
• How to define scope, plan interviews, and communicate without fueling gossip
• Tips for avoiding retaliation concerns and making defensible credibility assessments
• What belongs in your investigative report—and what to leave out

Many of these topics will be explored in even greater depth during 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!

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In this episode, Pam, Doug, and Jennifer discuss the complexities of workplace romance, particularly in light of the recent kiss cam scandal. They explore employer perspectives on regulating personal relationships, the risks associated with supervisor-subordinate dynamics, and the impact of workplace romance on company culture. The conversation also delves into the importance of having effective workplace policies, handling domestic issues among employees, and the role of investigations in addressing potential conflicts. Additionally, they discuss the concept of love contracts as a preventative measure against harassment claims and emphasize the need for ongoing training and resources for employers.

*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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On this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, Pam,  Jennifer, and Doug break down the ins and outs of severance agreements. Whether you’re navigating a high-risk termination, wondering how much to offer, or trying to avoid future legal claims, this conversation covers what every employer should consider before handing over a check.

They discuss:

• When (and why) severance agreements make sense
• The most important provisions to include
• What makes an agreement enforceable
• Whether offering severance sets a precedent
• Real-world tips to avoid costly surprises

*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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In this episode of Ground Rules, Pam, Jennifer, and Doug dive into the surprisingly complex topic of work phones vs. personal phones—and what it means for employers.

From wage and hour risks to trade secrets walking out the door, this conversation covers the legal and practical issues that arise when employees use their own devices for work. They unpack:

• Wage and hour pitfalls for off-the-clock work
• Data security and confidentiality concerns
• Legal implications of lost or stolen devices
• Documentation gaps in litigation
• Best practices for onboarding, offboarding, and policy development

If you’ve ever asked whether to issue company phones—or let employees use their own—this episode is your roadmap to making that decision thoughtfully and defensibly.

*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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Under the ADA, disability discrimination isn’t limited to individuals with diagnosed conditions. Employers can get into legal trouble simply for assuming someone has a disability. In this episode of Ground Rules, Pam, Doug, and Jennifer break down the often-overlooked “regarded as” prong of the ADA. They walk through real-world litigation examples—from assumptions about mental health and addiction to physical appearance and hospitalization—and explain how seemingly well-intentioned actions can trigger serious liability.

What’s the biggest takeaway? Don’t make assumptions—ask questions. Tune in to learn:

• What “regarded as” discrimination really means
• Why assumptions about health conditions can backfire
• What supervisors and HR teams should be trained to recognize

*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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Unlimited paid time off sounds like a dream benefit—but is it really as simple as it seems? In this episode of Ground Rules, the hosts break down the pros and cons of unlimited PTO policies. From workplace culture and employee trust to performance management and legal landmines, they explore the practical and legal considerations every employer should weigh before jumping in. 

*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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When an employee is arrested, employers are often left with more questions than answers: Can we ask about it? Do we need to act now—or at all? What if coworkers feel unsafe? And what if the arrest doesn’t turn into a conviction?

In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, the hosts  unpack what employers should consider when facing these tricky situations. They explore the legal distinctions between arrests and convictions, what actions are considered defensible, and how policies like paid leave, background checks, and workplace safety can provide structure in the chaos. They also discuss state laws, EEOC guidance, and why a proactive handbook can be your best defense.

*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, the hosts tackle one of the most common (and frustrating) questions they hear from clients: “Can’t you just make this lawsuit go away?”

From the average three-year lifespan of employment lawsuits to sky-high defense costs and unpredictable trial outcomes, the team breaks down why litigation is rarely quick—or simple. They share real-world experiences with court delays, stubborn opposing parties, and systemic obstacles that make early dismissal nearly impossible. You’ll also learn why the desire to win can drag out cases, and how training and prevention are still your best tools for staying out of the courtroom.

Whether you’re an HR professional, business owner, or just curious about what really happens after a lawsuit is filed, this episode offers a practical and eye-opening look behind the scenes of litigation.

*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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👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers