Officium, LLC

Navigating the Political Minefield: Can Your Job Survive Your Beliefs?

In the age of social media activism, it’s easy to forget that publicizing our political beliefs can have serious consequences, particularly in the workplace.  Technically, there’s no federal law protecting employees from political discrimination. In fact, in most states, you can legally be terminated if your employer doesn’t agree with your political beliefs.  When it …

New DC Laws on the Expansion of Minimum Wage and Pay Transparency

This year, the District of Columbia has introduced significant new laws concerning the local minimum wage and pay transparency. These changes signal a big step forward for fair compensation and equity for D.C. workers. As an employer, it’s important to ensure that you are aware of these updates and implement them properly into your business …

Deepfake Scams: Safeguarding Your Workplace

As employers become increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence (AI), cyber-criminals have found new ways to negatively exploit this technology. One of the most alarming examples is the rise of deepfake scams, where unsuspecting individuals are manipulated into handing over sensitive information or funds, resulting in sophisticated attacks on a company’s finances and operations. Hackers are …

Benefits and Introduction of Hybrid Work Models

Post-pandemic, 74% of U.S. companies have opted to incorporate hybrid workplace models. This modern landscape isn’t one-size-fits-all, and is instead, company-specific and promotes a human-centric approach that’s focused on flexibility, collaboration, autonomy and empathetic leadership. Studies show that hybrid schedules also address the shortcomings of remote work experienced during the pandemic such as trouble managing …

Virginia’s Non-Compete Wage Cap Increase in 2024

On January 16th, Virginia implemented significant changes to non-compete agreements, particularly for low-wage earners. Under this law, these agreements cannot be enforced for employees earning below the updated annual salary threshold of $73,320, or an average weekly wage of $1,410. In light of this change, employers are urged to review their post-employment agreements and non-compete …

Minimum Wage & Poster Changes Introduced in 2024

Each year, businesses’ are impacted by new employment regulations, and one such regulation being introduced in 2024 is the minimum wage increase in several cities, counties and states across the U.S.  While many of you compensate employees above the minimum wage, you still need to be aware of the changes. We recommend you do the …

Understanding Maryland’s Updated Non-Compete Agreement Laws

In a significant development for employers in Maryland, Senate Bill 591 has introduced modifications to the salary threshold that determines the permissibility of non-compete provisions in employment contracts. As of January 1, 2024, Maryland employers are now prohibited from requiring employees earning $46,800 or less annually to enter into non-compete agreements. This represents a substantial …

Do You Classify As A Joint Employer? Not Knowing Can Lead To Serious Implications

A recent development by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is reshaping the responsibilities and liabilities of businesses. The new joint employer rule, effective December 26, 2023, introduces significant changes to the criteria for determining joint employer status under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).  While there isn’t one sole definition of joint employment, there …

ICYMI: Sustainable Earth Eating Feature

Edgar Ndjatou, President of Sustainable Earth Eating recognized consumer change in Food is Climate newsletter today, “There has definitely been …change by individuals in their diets to reduce meat as more studies show larger impact from reducing livestock production equals larger impacts in greenhouse gas reduction.” Ndjatou, who is also head of Workplace Fairness, continued: “The hope is that as more …

Support Avant Bard’s 8th Annual Scripts in Play Festival

The Avant Bard’s 8th Annual Scripts in Play Festival hosted by the Avant Bard Theatre Company,will begin on January 19th and run through February 4th. As usual, we will have talk backs with the playwright, actors, directors and dramaturg after each reading. Wine and cheese will be served. Last year was our most successful festival …