How to Protect Your Business Without a Non-Compete: The Importance of Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Clauses

In today’s rapidly evolving employment landscape, non-compete agreements are falling out of favor. Legislators and courts across the country are scrutinizing their fairness, enforceability, and impact on employee mobility. Several states have restricted or banned them outright, including Minnesota, and federal efforts are gaining momentum to limit their use nationwid

By: Lida Bannink  Date: May 12, 2025

Why Every Organization Needs a Current, Comprehensive Employee Handbook

An employee handbook might seem like a basic HR tool—but in reality, it’s one of the most powerful documents an organization can have. It sets expectations, defines company culture, and provides critical legal protections when done right. And just as your organization grows and evolves, so should your handbook. At Eckberg Lammers,

By: Lida Bannink  Date: May 9, 2025

The Future of DEI Under the New Administration: What’s Next?

The question of whether Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives will continue under the current U.S. administration has sparked significant debate. In January, two important executive orders were issued, leaving many organizations, particularly those with federal contracts or funding, to assess how these changes might affect their DEI and gender inclusion programs.

By: Lida Bannink  Date: March 4, 2025

From Nine to Fourteen: New Independent Contractor Rules for Minnesota Construction

Minnesota companies in the construction industry are likely already familiar with the nine factors that affect the classification of workers as independent contractors. If workers in the construction industry meet all nine of those factors, they can be classified as independent contractors who are exempt from various wage and hour requirements.

By: Lida Bannink  Date: February 24, 2025

EEOC Lawsuit Highlights the Risks of Removing Remote Work in a Post-Pandemic Era

Today the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against FedEx Express for allegedly failing to accommodate disabled employees’ requests to continue working from home. This lawsuit highlights a critical issue as many employers reconsider their remote work policies, often limiting telework options for employees.

By: Lida Bannink  Date: January 16, 2025
Hand with red fingernails writing in a blank open journal

New Year Reflection and Planning

New Year Reflection and Planning Exercise As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set meaningful intentions for the year ahead. We understand that navigating high stress, constant change, and the responsibility of supporting others—while also maintaining your own well-being—can be a delicate bala

By: Lida Bannink  Date: December 16, 2024
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Turning Challenging Performance Reviews into Opportunities for Growth

We tend to avoid difficult conversations; because they are difficult and challenging, but that’s where the opportunities are resting; the between places.  The next time you give a challenging performance review keep these tips in mind. Let the company’s mission statement become the foundation for the conversati

By: Shawn Moore  Date: November 12, 2024
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Non-Competes No More: The 120 Days Begins to Toll May 7

UPDATE: Federal Judge Halts FTC’s Non-Compete Ban: Employers Can Breathe Easier—for Now The Federal Trade Commission has adopted a final rule adding a prohibition on post-employment non-competes. The rule is scheduled for publication on May 7, 2024, meaning the effective date of the rule will be September 4, 202

By: Christina Benson  Date: April 30, 2024