Freedom of Speech in the Workplace: When Employee Conduct Hurts Your Image

Labor and Employment attorneys Stephen Baumann, Hannah Fitzgerald and Billie Jo Risheim will present a Lorman webinar guiding employers and human resources (HR) professionals on employee speech protections and limits. Amid increased polarization and the ease of proliferating commentary on social media, companies face heightened challenges in monitoring what employees say outside the workplace and responding effectively when it affects their reputation or alienates customers. What's more, business leaders must contend with federal protections under the National Labor Relations Act, state statutes on lawful off-duty conduct, anti-SLAPP laws, First Amendment protections and more – creating a situation primed for unfair labor practice charges or lawsuits if they proceed without a clear understanding of the rules. During this webinar, Holland & Knight's attorneys will outline a framework for drafting workplace policies around employee speech and personnel decisions, distinguish protected speech from unprotected conduct and clarify the enforceability of nondisparagement clauses or social media policies. They will also review case studies illustrating some of these issues, giving attendees concrete examples of how to protect brand and reputation while remaining in compliance with current employment laws and avoiding legal or financial risks.