Should You Hire an Employment Lawyer for an HR Investigation?

Should You Hire an Employment Lawyer Before Participating in an HR Investigation?

Being asked to participate in a workplace investigation can be stressful and intimidating. Years of education and experience provide you with the skills you need to do your job, but they do not necessarily prepare you for what to expect during an HR…
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Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs): What Employees Should Know.

Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs): What Employees Should Know

A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is intended to sound like a positive, constructive way to correct employee performance. But if you are on the receiving end of a PIP, you may need to look out. It may be the first step in the termination process.…
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What to Know About Pretext in Wrongful Termination Cases.

What to Know About Pretext in Wrongful Termination Cases

Connecticut is an “at-will” state, which means an employer can fire an employee with or without cause, as long as the reason is not discriminatory or retaliatory. Of course, few employers announce that they are firing an employee for illegal reas…
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Can an Employer Legally Reduce Your Pay?

Can an Employer Legally Reduce Your Pay?

Having your pay reduced can be startling and inconvenient at best, and financially devastating at worst. You rely on your paycheck to keep a roof over your head, buy groceries, and care for your loved ones. When even a portion of that money goes away…
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Employees Should Be Careful Using AI Tools During Litigation.

Why Employees Should Be Careful Using AI Tools During Litigation

The rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we communicate. While employees may be tempted to turn to AI to gather information and for assistance drafting workplace grievances, they must approach the use of AI with caution. Th…
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Can AI Discriminate Against Job Applicants? What Employees Need to Know.

Can An Employer’s Use of AI Discriminate Against Job Applicants? What Employees Need to Know

AI hiring tools are transforming the way employers find, evaluate, and hire talent. But these tools are well-known for replicating systemic bias, leading to potentially unlawful discrimination. Madsen, Prestey & Parenteau, LLC, has advocated on b…
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Woman, video call and conference or virtual meeting on screen discussion at home office,visual concept for a blog discussing remote harassment.

Remote Harassment: Your Rights When Abuse Happens Over Zoom, Slack, or Email

Remote work has transformed the working environment, offering flexibility for employees and employers alike. While remote work provides countless benefits, this shift has introduced new complexities for managing workplace conduct. While harassment ma…
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Severance Package Negotiation concept with agreement document on wooden board and SEVERANCE spelled out in wood blocks selective focus.

Negotiate Your Severance Package Agreement

Even though they are not legally required, severance agreements are commonly used to smooth the transition when an employee leaves a company. These agreements provide clarity, help ensure a fair deal for everyone involved, and are one way companies t…
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Mother with young son, trying to balance home and work life. Visual concept for a blog discussing FMLA Leave.

Can You Be Demoted or Reassigned After Taking FMLA Leave?

When an employee takes Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, the law promises job protection. But too often, workers return to find that their duties, pay, or even titles have changed. Employers may claim it’s a business necessity, but in many…
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Young woman monitoring computer usage, illustrating workplace privacy concerns and employer monitoring of emails and online activity in Connecticut.

Can Your Employer Monitor Your Email and Online Activity?

As an employee, you likely send dozens of messages a day, log into multiple sites, and sometimes even check a personal account during a quick break. But a question lingers in the background: how much of this can your employer see? The truth is that e…
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