This week, we’re recapping some of the biggest changes that impacted employers in 2021. We also look ahead to what’s in store in the new year.

Video: YouTube, Vimeo.

Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher.

A Shift in Labor Policy and Enforcement

The Biden administration is ushering in more labor- and employee-friendly policies. The personnel changes and updated enforcement agenda at the National Labor Relations Board best exemplify this shift. The Biden administration has also made clear that it plans to be more rigorous when it comes to enforcement.

Employee Mobility Trend Accelerates

Employers saw the employee mobility trend pick up this year. Behind this trend is an increase in state legislation limiting the use of non-compete agreements. Court decisions have also become more critical of non-compete agreements, with many courts refusing to enforce broad restrictions.

COVID-19 Rules Remain in Flux

Many employers opened up offices or implemented hybrid work environments while also navigating this year’s constantly changing requirements on vaccination and masking policies, privacy protections, and accommodations. Just this week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced new enforcement deadlines for the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard after a nationwide injunction was lifted.

Other Highlights

COVID-19 WORKFORCE (re)sources
Click here to see what state and local governments have done to address the COVID-19 pandemic this week.

CMS Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Testing in the Workplace
Health Employment and Labor
Allen Killworth, Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper, Denise Merna Dadika, Nathaniel Glasser, and Bob Hearn

The EEOC Releases Guidance: What Employers Should Know About COVID-19
Workforce Bulletin
Susan Gross Sholinsky, Frank Morris, and Kamil Gajda

New Year, New Laws Impacting California Employers
Insight
David Prager, Jennifer Nutter, Alice Kwak, and Vidaur Durazo

Holiday Cyber Storm Warnings
Health Law Advisor
Stuart Gerson and Alaap Shah

About Employment Law This Week

Employment Law This Week® gives a rundown of the top developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday. 

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