How employers are responding to legislation that impacts employees

Long story short: Employers can no longer turn a blind eye to the legal system in the U.S.

May 6, 2022 10:32 AM

Employers can no longer stand on the sidelines when it comes to the legal decisions impacting employees — for better and for worse.

This week, employers have begun to grapple with how they will respond if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court. Many companies have previously responded to abortion restrictions, providing legal services and financial support for employees who need to access a provider out of state. It’s critical employers understand the ramifications of these restrictions on their employees’ health and well-being, stresses Monifa Bandele, chief strategy officer at social welfare organization and advocacy group MomsRising.

“We have to roll up our sleeves and make sure they pass laws that protect a woman’s right to access abortion care,” she says. “Right now, we need all hands on deck, because we are in it for the long haul.”

Other legislation is working in employees’ favor, to create opportunities for those with a criminal background. Ban the box laws make it illegal for employers to ask about an employee’s criminal background, giving them an opportunity to highlight their skills first, while also opening up potential solutions to filling labor gaps caused by the Great Resignation.

See more from our top stories this week:

Beyond abortion rights: What’s at stake if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade

The reproductive rights of women, trans men and non-binary people have been put into question after Politico obtained an initial Supreme Court draft majority opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, stating that Roe v. Wade must be overruled. The landmark 1973 decision set out to protect a pregnant person’s right to choose to have an abortion.

Monifa Bandele, chief strategy officer at social welfare organization and advocacy group MomsRising, explained to associate editor Deanna Cuadra that this is a threat to millions of mothers and families, especially those who may be faced with economic or health-related barriers. She shares what’s at stake, and what elected officials, and even employers, can do.

Read more:

Beyond abortion rights: What’s at stake if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade

Why insurers may be breaking the law with restrictive mental health coverage

Health insurance companies have faced scrutiny for denying mental health treatment claims at alarming rates. However, restrictive interpretation of mental health coverage is technically against federal law — namely, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which required that access to mental health and substance use disorder services is comparable with access to medical and surgical services.

Associate editor Deanna Cuadra investigates how this is impacting the people who need it most: teens who need in-patient treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues, which without coverage can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $60,000 per month. Health plans must expand their coverage, and fast.

Read more:

Why insurers may be breaking the law with restrictive mental health coverage

For people with criminal records, 'ban the box' laws could be the key to a fair hiring process

One in three Americans — or 77 million — have a criminal record, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Yet as employers look to grow their talent pool, these candidates often get overlooked. ‘Ban-the-box’ laws, which ban employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal record before at least the initial interview, are hoping to rewrite the hiring process.

These laws could have far-reaching implications, especially for Black and non-white Latinx Americans, who are disproportionately incarcerated. But employers need to change, too, Fernanda Anzek, managing director of HR and DEI services at Insperity, tells Deanna Cuadra. She shares how employers can eliminate unconscious biases from their recruitment processes.

Read more:

For people with criminal records, 'ban the box' laws could be the key to a fair hiring process

8 companies helping employees access abortion care

In the wake of a leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade and rip away access to abortion care for millions nationwide, employers and employees alike are contemplating the likelihood of a future once deemed unimaginable. Employers have been taking measures to extend support to workers and help employees access abortion services, even across state lines, if necessary.

Editor-in-chief Stephanie Schomer highlights employers including Apple, Google and Yelp, that plan to pay for travel expenses, moving costs and even legal fees for employees seeking care.

Read more:

8 companies helping employees access abortion care