Making Work Better: Employment Law & Workplace Challenges

AI technology is progressing rapidly, and with it comes an unfortunate increase in AI harassment claims. Before the law can catch up with the exponential growth of these tools, it's up to employers to ensure their workplaces are protected from any harmful usage. Between recent headlines and even their own casework, Mary Charlton and Christina Hynes Mesco are staying up to date with AI harassment claims that pop up at work. As employment attorneys who work with both employers and employees, they're approaching this issue from all sides – and are here to help you protect yourself from this behavior in your own workplace. Tune in to hear Mary and Christina discuss: Examples of what AI harassment claims look like How existing harassment prevention laws apply in the context of AI Whether AI harassment is considered more severe than physical harassment The likelihood of courts holding up the defense of harmful AI-generated content being "a joke" Where employers can update their policies to account for workplace AI usage As AI continues to improve, it also becomes increasingly difficult to navigate what is and isn't real. But the legal framework surrounding harassment is still equipped to take on that challenge. If you find yourself facing a claim of AI harassment, whether as an employee or a business leader, this episode will help get you started with confronting it. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Mary's blog, Deepfakes and Real Risk: Sexual Harassment in the Age of AI Mary Charlton Christina Hynes Mesco The Prinz Law Firm

The question of whether student athletes should be recognized as employees has long been debated, especially with colleges and universities generating billions of dollars in revenue each year through their sports programs. Now, a proposed bill titled the "Protect College Sports Act" may finally address this issue. Mary Charlton and James Rogers aren't just employment attorneys—they're both well-versed in the world of sports. In the inaugural episode of their "Off the Bench" series unpacking issues that exist at the intersection of sports and law, they're taking a look at the PCSA and who the winners (and losers) would be if this bill were to pass. Tune in to hear James and Mary explore: Why governing sports bodies have never recognized college athletes as employees Where the term "student athlete" originated from A legal history of recent rulings related to college athletes seeking proper compensation and recognition as employees How college sports teams currently operate and bring in revenue for their schools What protections would benefit student athletes under the PCSA Whether the PSCA makes any decision regarding student athletes' employment status As "back to school season" approaches, many student athletes are already putting hours upon hours of work into their respective teams. Will the PSCA pass any time soon? If it does, will these athletes finally be given proper recognition and compensation? Listen to this conversation for our thoughts. Stay Connected and Learn More Read James' blog, Could a New Bill Finally Grant Employee Status to College Athletes? James Rogers Mary Charlton The Prinz Law Firm

As football season slowly approaches, the question of where the Chicago Bears will build their new home stadium remains unanswered, and it might surprise you how this debate is relevant to you in the workplace. At first glance, the NFL and employment may not have much in common. But beneath the headlines and speculation lies an important lesson relevant to both spaces: how to negotiate well, no matter what's at stake. Prinz partner Kristen Prinz and paralegal supervisor Christina Martinez are all too familiar with the many moving parts that make up a deal like one the Bears are currently drafting. In this episode, they dive deep into the links between the search for a new stadium and the most common negotiations we see in our own workplaces. Listen to Kristen and Chris discuss: An overview of the stadium saga (so far) Conflicting factors around the Bears staying in Chicago Questions to ask yourself before preparing for a negotiation How the Bears are positioning the value they bring to the table—and how you can do the same The role that timing plays in any negotiation Whether you're an employer reviewing your company's contracts, an employee negotiating a new job offer, or simply a football fan, this episode has something for every listener. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Kristen and Chris' blog, Playing the Long Game: How the Bears Stadium Negotiations Apply to Your Workplace Kristen Prinz Christina Martinez The Prinz Law Firm

Most problems in the workplace likely boil down to issues with communication, whether it's an employee misunderstanding instructions or a supervisor's feedback not landing in the right way. These inconsistencies in communication are what often lead to legal risk. Your communication style is both how you prefer to receive information and how you deliver it. By understanding how we and how our colleagues or clients communicate, we can better achieve our ultimate goals. In this episode, Prinz partner Katie Rinkus was joined by Rachel Platt, founder and CEO of PLATTinum Consulting, to explore a few of the key types of communication styles and the greater impacts they have on company culture. Tune in to hear Katie and Rachel talk about: Potential strengths and weaknesses of each specific communication style The difference between being nice versus being kind and how each shows up in leaders How Rachel helps her clients identify their communication style Why avoiding difficult conversations does a workplace more harm than good How understanding communication styles can be useful outside of the office The benefits of investing in understanding your employees Organizations that communicate better often in turn have better cultures. If you want your company to be remembered as a great place to work, or you're simply interested in identifying your personal communication style, the tools in this episode will help you find the best way to move forward. About Rachel Platt Rachel is a sought-after HR strategist and consultant with over 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex people challenges. A former CHRO and VP of Experience, Rachel is known for her pragmatic approach to aligning business and people's strategies. She works mostly at the people strategy level, and PLATTinum Consulting offers CHRO advisory services, leadership development, organizational design, performance management, recruiting strategy, and more on a project or a fractional basis. Stay Connected and Learn More Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn Check out PLATTinum Consulting Katie Rinkus The Prinz Law Firm

Free speech in the workplace isn't exactly what it sounds like: rather than a broad, unlimited protection that allows all employees to say whatever they want, protections vary depending on the type of employer and the specific circumstances. With social media blurring the lines between work life and personal life, whether our speech online or "off the clock" is protected under free speech laws also makes this a very topical conversation. As employment and business attorneys, Hannah Savaso and Rebecca Baba have a strong understanding of the nuances of free speech and are here to help you stay informed of your rights. Listen to Hannah and Becca explore: How the rules regarding free speech differ between public and private sector employees The role that social media activity plays in free speech protections What framework is used by courts to determine whether an employee's speech is protected What protections exist related to speech made outside of working hours Free speech protections that are specific to Illinois workplaces Whether you're a business owner or an employee, in the public or private sector, this episode contains valuable insights on how free speech really works. Tune in to learn how you can best stay protected. Stay Connected and Learn More Read Hannah's blog, I Thought I Had a Right to Free Speech at Work. Am I Wrong? Hannah Savaso Rebecca Baba The Prinz Law Firm