Employment Huddle

In the premiere video episode of the Employment Huddle podcast, Samantha and Guy discuss various aspects of workplace culture, including hugging in the office, the implications of social media interactions among coworkers, and the complexities of accommodating religious practices in the workplace. They navigate the complexities of accommodating employee requests, particularly in the context of religious and medical needs, while exploring the challenges of undue hardship and the need for advance notice in accommodation requests. Water Cooler Talk shifts to spring time activities, wedding planning and reviewing song submissions for Samantha’s upcoming wedding.

In the first episode of 2025, Guy and Samantha discuss various workplace issues, including the implications of romantic relationships in the workplace, new policies regarding prenatal leave and lactation breaks, mandatory sexual harassment training, updates on minimum wage and DEI policies, and the complexities of at-will employment. Water cooler talk touches on the societal pressures surrounding Valentine's Day, exploring themes of inclusion and the emotional impact on individuals who may feel left out.

In the first part of our end of year episode, Sam and Guy discuss the importance of aligning handbook policies with actual practices, especially regarding progressive discipline and leave policies. They also discuss key updates involving paid prenatal personal leave in New York State, paid lactation breaks, and forum selection clauses in employment agreements.

In this episode, we discuss the FTC ban on non-compete agreements being struck down, more garden leave provision recommendations, and the rise of artificial intelligence in the workforce.

Samantha and Guy discuss the potential impact of the FTC ban on non-compete agreements, stress the importance of revisiting employment agreements, and review changes in laws related to parental leave, lactation breaks, and pregnancy discrimination in New York State. Plus, they discuss plans for the upcoming July 4th holiday and Samantha provides a wedding planning update.

Samantha and Guy record an emergency episode to discuss the recent ban on noncompete agreements by the FTC. They discuss the details of the ban, how it affects current noncompete agreements, and what it means for non-solicitation agreements, garden leave, and other employment policies.

In this episode, Sam and Guy go back to basics with Employment Law 101. They discuss misconceptions about hostile work environments, retaliation, and the accommodation process for employees with disabilities. They also discuss the need for clear job descriptions, understanding exempt vs. nonexempt employees, and the significance of various employment agreements. And during, Water Cooler Talk, they discuss their favorite places to travel for a weekend getaway.

In the first episode of 2024, Sam and Guy discuss remote work, social media policies, and the surprising decision by the New York governor not to ban non-compete agreements. During water cooler talk, they discuss New Year's Resolutions as well as current books, TV shows, and movies they're enjoying.

Sam and Guy discuss upcoming changes in employment law for 2024, including an increase in minimum wage and changes in unemployment insurance. They also discuss settlement agreements and the extension of the statute of limitations for discrimination claims, as well as the challenges employers face with sick leave laws and the complexities of implementing parental leave policies. Lastly, Water Cooler Talk returns for New Year's Resolutions.

Samantha and Guy discuss how companies should start reviewing their policies for the new year, as well as going over new regulations and clarifications around wage increases, exempt employee statuses, salary transparency, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, NYC’s Sick and Safe Leave Law, and more.

Sam and Guy discuss non-compete agreements, pay transparency updates in New York, and take Water Cooler Talk on the road to the Westerman Ball Summer Party to ask staffers an important philosophical question.

Sam and Guy discuss the latest employment laws in New York State and NYC around lactation accommodations in the workplace, pay transparency, remote work, and more. Plus, a very special guest joins.

Sam and Guy discuss the NLRB’s recent decision on severance agreements and the FTC’s proposed ban on non-compete agreements.

In the final episode of 2022, Guy and Samantha discuss employment trends from the past year, and look ahead to what's coming in 2023. Then, they are joined by a very special guest, followed by New Year's resolutions, and stick around at the end for a special 10 minute guided meditation.

In this episode, Sam and Guy discuss wage and hour law issues for employers as it surrounds overtime, classifications of exempt employees, and employment agreements. And in wine cooler talk, they try to settle the age old debate: when does summer officially end?

Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not constitute legal advice or legal opinions. The information should not be relied upon without consulting with counsel about your specific facts and circumstances.

In this episode, Sam and Guy discuss everything you need to know about employment agreements. Plus, Anthony DeCapua, a partner in Westerman Ball's litigation and construction practice, stops by to discuss the new 198-E New York Labor Law for construction companies and general contractors. Lastly, they discuss their current favorite shows on streaming platforms.

Hosted by Guy Allen and Samantha Turetsky, employment lawyers at Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker & Sharfstein in Uniondale, NY, the Employment Huddle podcast is an employment law podcast for employers and is a look into the issues we are seeing on a daily and weekly basis with our clients. It's a very difficult landscape so we thought that this would be a great opportunity to share with everyone what we as employment lawyers are seeing on a regular basis. In the first episode, we discuss COVID-19 sick leave in New York City and New York State, vaccine and mask mandates for workplaces, and give our Super Bowl picks.