When you’re at work, you want to be able to focus just on the tasks you have for the day. Those days when you can check off all the boxes without any interruptions or distractions, go home to your family, and not worry about what tomorrow will bring might seem to some like a lofty ideal rather than a day-to-day reality. This is especially the case if you suspect those interruptions or distractions might be a result of violations of federal employment laws. While it shouldn’t be necessary, in many cases it could benefit you to know how to identify IMPORTANT PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT PROTECT EMPLOYEES FOCUS ON THE JOB
GAME-FULLY EMPLOYED TURNING TO VIDEO GAMES AFTER RETIREMENT The rise in popularity of game-streaming platforms like Twitch — a service seemingly only used by snarky teens playing under quirky aliases — has paved the way for a whole new generation of video game enthusiasts. They just might not be the type you had in mind. Clips and articles are popping up online showcasing how older generations of tech aficionados have taken to gaming en masse. Long gone are the days of grandparents calling grandsons in frustration to ask how to send an email. The current generation of seniors bucks the stereotypical ignorance of technology, embracing hand-held controllers and battle cries as they take on their decades-younger counterparts in the digital arena. One team in particular has stolen the spotlight of late: The Silver Snipers, bringers of destruction in “Counter-Strike” leagues around the world. The team from Stockholm, Sweden, took their talents to the stage of Dreamhack 2017, an esports tournament, where they battled it out against some of the world’s most skilled esports players. Their mission was simple: to show the world that gaming is for people of all ages. Each member picked up the game for different reasons; some played as a way to connect to their grandkids, while others did it to pass the time. One thing’s for certain: This alliance has turned into a hellscape for their opponents. With every team member being over the age of 60, the combination of BirDie, Windy, Knitting Knight, Teen Slayer, and Berra Bang — all gaming aliases — has proved to be a first-of- its-kind powerhouse in the growing circle of older gamers. As one member explained, the game is not just for having fun. Gaming has given the team a chance to connect and be a part of a massive worldwide community. The gameplay also allows for mental exercise. It offers teamwork challenges and improves cognitive function, multitasking skills, and reflexes.
these violations and how to properly report them once identified. Here are three commonly violated categories of employee protection legislation. EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION LAWS The most well-known anti-discrimination legislation is probably the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans any workplace discrimination based on race, religion, or gender. It also created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces the regulations created by the Civil Rights Act. Congress passed more anti-discrimination
legislation in the years following to make up for any gaps in the Civil Rights Act, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. The full text and numerous summaries of these are all available online. FAIR WAGE LAWS The primary legislation dealing with fair wages and hours for employees is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This act set the federal minimum wage and set requirements for overtime pay. The Wage and Hour Division oversees the application of the FLSA as well as the Immigrant and Nationality Act, which applies to aliens with work visas working in the United States. Another important piece of legislation related to wages and hours is the Family and Medical Leave Act, which protects employees experiencing injury or illness from losing their job or health care benefits for up to 12 weeks. WORKPLACE SAFETY LAWS The Occupational Safety and Health Act regulates the safety and health conditions of most public and private employers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration oversees the implementation of this act. There are a number of worker compensation laws that also help protect the safety of workers. It’s easier to keep in mind the different laws and what they generally mean than the technical specifics, which are sometimes difficult to understand. We can help you. If you believe you have witnessed or experienced something in the workplace that violates one of these acts, please give us a call.
If The Silver Snipers are passing along one message, it’s that you’re never too young for an old-fashioned digital beat down.
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