Editor’s Note

In a couple of weeks, millions of Americans will exchange bouquets of overpriced roses, chocolates, kitschy cards and expensive tokens of affection to show their significant other how much they love them.

Cupid, however, may want to avoid the workplace in the era of #MeToo.
 

In the #MeToo era, employers should proactively consider addressing workplace relationships and internal policies for dealing with complaints. This month’s cover article,Celebrating Valentine’s Day At Work In The Era Of #MeToo by Todd Wulffson, highlights on how to maximizes positive feelings and minimizes legal risk and help employers get in the Valentine’s Day spirit.
 
As the Canadian government legalizes recreational cannabis for non-medical use and the rapid and significant changes to the legal status of marijuana, new questions and challenges arise for Canadian employers. What impact does recreational cannabis use have on an employee’s mental state in the workplace? Is consumption outside of the workplace acceptable? Paula Allen, in her article, Recreational Cannabis Use In The Workplace, shares an overview of the key things employers and employees should know about use of cannabis in the workplace and substance abuse policies.
 
In the midst of posting your name, pictures, and background on social media sites, did you ever consider who your information reaches, beyond your family and friends? Jim Bachert, in his article,Facebook: Why Data Privacy Matters, talks about how organizations can educate their employees to secure data by bringing awareness of cyber-security within the company.
 
What must an employer do if a transgender employee requests an accommodation due to gender dysphoria or related conditions? Much has been written about whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act covers discrimination based on transgender status or gender identity, but how the Americans with Disabilities Act comes into play—if at all—has remained rather uncharted territory. Until now. Read Lindsey Conrad Kennedy’s article, Are Transgender Employees Entitled To Reasonable Accommodations Under The ADA?, to know key insights.
 
This is not all! This month’s issue of HR Legal & Compliance Excellence is packed with top trending topics in the legal and compliance arena, and infused with information on new policies and laws to arm you and your employees to stay compliant and safe.