Date:
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Location:
Boise Centre East
195 S. Capitol Blvd.
Boise, Idaho
Agenda:
8 - 8:25 a.m.
• Registration & Breakfast
8:25 - 8:45 a.m.
• Welcome & Introduction – J. Kevin West
9 - 9:50 a.m. (Session One)
• ADA Issues Arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Complying with all the permutations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was hard enough for employers. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of complexity. Kevin will provide guidance to employers about navigating through a new host of ADA issues brought to you by COVID-19.
Presenter: J. Kevin West
• Hot Employment Topics Session #1: The Department of Labor has wrestled with proper classification of “gig” workers as independent contractors or employees. Liz and Sean will explore the latest developments and how the department and courts are thinking about this issue. We will also explore the Department of Labor’s recent guidance regarding discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees and how to avoid such claims and effectively respond when such claims arise.
Presenters: Liz M. Mellem and Sean A. Monson
• Religion in the Workplace: Where does the EEOC stand after transitioning from the Trump administration to the Biden administration? After reviewing the general law, Dylan will cover newer cases and help make sense of the EEOC’s current positions on religious discrimination as well as accommodation of religious beliefs and practices in the workplace.
Presenter: Dylan A. Eaton
10:05 - 10:55 a.m. (Session Two)
• ADA Issues Arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Complying with all the permutations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was hard enough for employers. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of complexity. Kevin will provide guidance to employers about navigating through a new host of ADA issues brought to you by COVID-19.
Presenter: J. Kevin West
• Back to the Office, Back to the Basics: While many things changed during the COVID pandemic, most core employment laws have not. As more employees are returning to the office full-time, it is a good time for employers to review these basic employment laws to ensure continued compliance for its employees, whether they are now in the office or still working from home.
Presenter: Jason R. Mau
• Political Speech in the Workplace: Employees have political opinions and sometimes they like to discuss them in the workplace. Most employers would prefer they do not. What can an employer do? Can you ban political speech? Can you limit it? Christina will offer attendees guidance on this important and timely topic.
Presenter: Christina M. Jepson
11:10 - Noon (Session Three)
• Conducting an Effective Internal Investigation: From start to finish, companies face numerous issues when conducting an internal investigation. An effective internal investigation is critical for protecting your company and correcting problems in your company. Susan will cover some of the crucial issues companies confront: critical investigation triggers; whether to conduct in-house or outsource; scope of an investigation; best practices for interviews and evidence collection, and concluding an investigation.
Presenter: Susan B. Motschiedler
• Hot Employment Topics Session #2: While the COVID 19 pandemic ebbs and flows, employers are continually faced with challenges leading their workforce including vaccinations, mask wearing, remote work, and tax, unemployment, and workers compensation considerations for employees who work remotely out of state. Liz and Sean will explore best practices to effectively manage these issues. We also explore the increasing marijuana legalization efforts throughout the Intermountain West and best practices regarding drug testing in the workplace.
Presenters: Liz M. Mellem and Sean A. Monson
• Social Media in the Workplace: Social media is prolific in the workplace today – widely used by companies and easily accessed by employees. Kelsie will provide employers with guidance on using social media in advertising, marketing and promotions and regulating personal use of social media at work.
Presenter: Kelsie A. Kirkham
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Lunch & Keynote Speaker Kedrick R. Wills, Founder, KLG Leadership Group
