AGG Talks: Solving Employers’ Problems Thu, 07 May 2026 13:48:19 -0400 https://aggemploymentlawpodcast.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 AGG Talks: Solving Employers’ Problems yes 700d89f9-ebac-5b46-ab2b-0f733de45489 Arnall Golden Gregory LLP episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Arnall Golden Gregory LLP https://storage.buzzsprout.com/qll0wjaca3hskm7bxq89qn7t0igd?.jpg AGG Talks: Solving Employers’ Problems Inside the EEOC’s Telework Guidance: What Private Employers Should Know Under the ADA Inside the EEOC’s Telework Guidance: What Private Employers Should Know Under the ADA In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ed Cadagin and Megan Mitchell unpack new Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") guidance on telework and reasonable accommodations.

Although the guidance is directed at federal agencies under the Rehabilitation Act, it offers important insight into how the EEOC is likely to evaluate similar issues under the ADA for private employers. Ed and Megan discuss when telework may be required, how employers can reassess pandemic-era remote work arrangements, and best practices for handling accommodation requests in the workplace. The team shares actionable guidance to help organizations navigate telework decisions with confidence. 

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ed Cadagin and Megan Mitchell unpack new Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") guidance on telework and reasonable accommodations.

Although the guidance is directed at federal agencies under the Rehabilitation Act, it offers important insight into how the EEOC is likely to evaluate similar issues under the ADA for private employers. Ed and Megan discuss when telework may be required, how employers can reassess pandemic-era remote work arrangements, and best practices for handling accommodation requests in the workplace. The team shares actionable guidance to help organizations navigate telework decisions with confidence. 

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-19141841 Thu, 07 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400 1078 1 12 full false Navigating Political Speech in the Workplace: What Employers Can (and Can’t) Do Navigating Political Speech in the Workplace: What Employers Can (and Can’t) Do In this episode, AGG Employment attorneys Ashley Kelly, Theresa Kananen, and Lindsey Locke share what employers need to know about political speech in today’s workplace.

They address common misconceptions about the First Amendment, explain how the NLRA can protect certain employee discussions — even when politically charged — and highlight how discrimination laws and state protections may come into play. Through practical examples, the team shares smart, balanced strategies for managing workplace conduct while minimizing legal risk.

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment attorneys Ashley Kelly, Theresa Kananen, and Lindsey Locke share what employers need to know about political speech in today’s workplace.

They address common misconceptions about the First Amendment, explain how the NLRA can protect certain employee discussions — even when politically charged — and highlight how discrimination laws and state protections may come into play. Through practical examples, the team shares smart, balanced strategies for managing workplace conduct while minimizing legal risk.

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-18824525 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400 1238 1 11 full false Florida’s CHOICE Act: A New Direction for Non-Compete Agreements Florida’s CHOICE Act: A New Direction for Non-Compete Agreements In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley Kelly and Theresa Kananen explore Florida’s CHOICE Act, new legislation that takes a distinctly different approach to non-compete agreements.

While most states have recently moved to restrict or ban non-competes, Florida has made them easier to enforce under specific conditions. Ashley and Theresa break down what the law means for employers, including which employees and agreements are covered, the expanded time limit, and the law’s mandatory injunctive relief provisions.

They also share guidance for employers seeking to update their restrictive covenant agreements and explain how existing non-competes will be treated under the state's new legal framework. 

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley Kelly and Theresa Kananen explore Florida’s CHOICE Act, new legislation that takes a distinctly different approach to non-compete agreements.

While most states have recently moved to restrict or ban non-competes, Florida has made them easier to enforce under specific conditions. Ashley and Theresa break down what the law means for employers, including which employees and agreements are covered, the expanded time limit, and the law’s mandatory injunctive relief provisions.

They also share guidance for employers seeking to update their restrictive covenant agreements and explain how existing non-competes will be treated under the state's new legal framework. 

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-18082504 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400 988 1 10 full false Illness, Disability, and Workplace Performance: A Guide for Employers Illness, Disability, and Workplace Performance: A Guide for Employers In this episode, AGG Employment partners Henry Perlowski and Theresa Kananen tackle one of the most prevalent workplace challenges: managing employee performance issues when illness or disability is a factor.  

While every situation is unique, Henry and Theresa outline legal principles and considerations to help employers balance performance management with compliance under the ADA, FMLA, and other laws. They share strategies for recognizing risks, avoiding retaliation claims, and developing a path forward when approaching these sensitive situations. Henry and Theresa also walk through three real-world scenarios to address practical considerations for employers facing similar issues.

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment partners Henry Perlowski and Theresa Kananen tackle one of the most prevalent workplace challenges: managing employee performance issues when illness or disability is a factor.  

While every situation is unique, Henry and Theresa outline legal principles and considerations to help employers balance performance management with compliance under the ADA, FMLA, and other laws. They share strategies for recognizing risks, avoiding retaliation claims, and developing a path forward when approaching these sensitive situations. Henry and Theresa also walk through three real-world scenarios to address practical considerations for employers facing similar issues.

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-17710873 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1788 1 9 full false Non-Compete Compliance in 2025: State Trends and Employer Strategies Non-Compete Compliance in 2025: State Trends and Employer Strategies In this episode, AGG Employment attorneys Megan Mitchell, Rick Mitchell, and Lindsey Locke discuss the current state of non-compete agreements and what employers should keep in mind when using them. While the FTC’s proposed ban in 2024 garnered a lot of attention, it remains stalled and the real action is now happening at the state level. 
 
Megan, Rick, and Lindsey walk through key questions employers should ask before entering into restrictive covenants, highlighting the wide variation in state laws, and explaining how some jurisdictions are taking unique approaches — including salary thresholds, notice requirements, and “garden leave” obligations. The conversation also covers the increasing regulation of non-competes in the healthcare industry and how courts evaluate scope and reasonableness in enforcement. 

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment attorneys Megan Mitchell, Rick Mitchell, and Lindsey Locke discuss the current state of non-compete agreements and what employers should keep in mind when using them. While the FTC’s proposed ban in 2024 garnered a lot of attention, it remains stalled and the real action is now happening at the state level. 
 
Megan, Rick, and Lindsey walk through key questions employers should ask before entering into restrictive covenants, highlighting the wide variation in state laws, and explaining how some jurisdictions are taking unique approaches — including salary thresholds, notice requirements, and “garden leave” obligations. The conversation also covers the increasing regulation of non-competes in the healthcare industry and how courts evaluate scope and reasonableness in enforcement. 

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-17545681 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1057 1 8 full false When DEI Meets the FCA: What Employers Need to Know About the DOJ’s Civil Rights Fraud Initiative When DEI Meets the FCA: What Employers Need to Know About the DOJ’s Civil Rights Fraud Initiative In this episode, AGG Employment partner and co-chair, Ashley Kelly, speaks with leaders of the firm's new Civil Rights & False Claims Act Risk & Response Team, Gabe Scannapieco and Sara Lord, about the DOJ’s recent move to expand False Claims Act ("FCA") enforcement to include diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI") initiatives. The conversation covers the structure of the FCA, takeaways from the DOJ’s May 19 memo, and how whistleblower incentives and public reporting may fuel increased scrutiny. 
 
Gabe and Sara also offer practical insight into how government contractors and organizations receiving government funding can mitigate risk and maintain compliance as DEI policies come under closer federal examination. 

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment partner and co-chair, Ashley Kelly, speaks with leaders of the firm's new Civil Rights & False Claims Act Risk & Response Team, Gabe Scannapieco and Sara Lord, about the DOJ’s recent move to expand False Claims Act ("FCA") enforcement to include diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI") initiatives. The conversation covers the structure of the FCA, takeaways from the DOJ’s May 19 memo, and how whistleblower incentives and public reporting may fuel increased scrutiny. 
 
Gabe and Sara also offer practical insight into how government contractors and organizations receiving government funding can mitigate risk and maintain compliance as DEI policies come under closer federal examination. 

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-17480478 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2187 1 7 full false Navigating Employee Leave and Reasonable Accommodation Requests Under the FMLA, ADA, and PWFA Navigating Employee Leave and Reasonable Accommodation Requests Under the FMLA, ADA, and PWFA In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ed Cadagin and Megan Mitchell discuss considerations for employers addressing leave and reasonable accommodation requests from employees. In particular, Megan and Ed focus on the interplay between FMLA leave and the ADA interactive process. They also cover how the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act impacts the interactive process. 

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ed Cadagin and Megan Mitchell discuss considerations for employers addressing leave and reasonable accommodation requests from employees. In particular, Megan and Ed focus on the interplay between FMLA leave and the ADA interactive process. They also cover how the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act impacts the interactive process. 

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-17122140 Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400 976 1 6 full false What Employers Need to Know About DEI Policy Changes Under the Trump Administration What Employers Need to Know About DEI Policy Changes Under the Trump Administration In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley Kelly and Theresa Kananen and AGG Government Contracts partner Tenley Carp discuss the significant changes to DEI programs under the Trump administration. Together, they explore recent executive orders affecting federal contractors and grant recipients, potential enforcement actions, and how private companies are responding to these policy shifts. They also share compliance considerations and the legal challenges affecting the future of DEI initiatives. 

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley Kelly and Theresa Kananen and AGG Government Contracts partner Tenley Carp discuss the significant changes to DEI programs under the Trump administration. Together, they explore recent executive orders affecting federal contractors and grant recipients, potential enforcement actions, and how private companies are responding to these policy shifts. They also share compliance considerations and the legal challenges affecting the future of DEI initiatives. 

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-16736105 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0500 944 1 5 full false Health Plan Premium Surcharges for the Unvaccinated: Are They Legal and How Do They Work? Health Plan Premium Surcharges for the Unvaccinated: Are They Legal and How Do They Work? In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley S. Kelly and Theresa Y. Kananen and Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation of counsel Tia L. Martarella discuss a strategy that many employers feel may encourage employees to receive the coronavirus vaccine and reduce health plan costs: health plan premium surcharges. The discussion includes an overview of the (many) rules and regulations governing health plan premium surcharges, as well as potential legal roadblocks.   

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley S. Kelly and Theresa Y. Kananen and Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation of counsel Tia L. Martarella discuss a strategy that many employers feel may encourage employees to receive the coronavirus vaccine and reduce health plan costs: health plan premium surcharges. The discussion includes an overview of the (many) rules and regulations governing health plan premium surcharges, as well as potential legal roadblocks.   

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-9134647 Wed, 08 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0400 738 1 4 full false The American Rescue Plan Act’s COBRA Subsidy: What Is It and How Does It Work? The American Rescue Plan Act’s COBRA Subsidy: What Is It and How Does It Work? In this episode, AGG Employment partner Theresa Y. Kananen and Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation of counsel Tia L. Martarella discuss the requirement under the American Rescue Plan Act that employers subsidize COBRA benefits for certain individuals for a period of six months, from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.  

]]> In this episode, AGG Employment partner Theresa Y. Kananen and Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation of counsel Tia L. Martarella discuss the requirement under the American Rescue Plan Act that employers subsidize COBRA benefits for certain individuals for a period of six months, from April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.  

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-8760863 Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1009 1 3 full false COVID-19 Vaccines and the Workplace COVID-19 Vaccines and the Workplace In this episode, AGG Employment and Litigation attorneys Megan P. Mitchell and Edward P. Cadagin discuss considerations for employers who are thinking about implementing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, or who wish to offer incentives to employees who receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Megan and Ed also discuss the EEOC’s updated guidance on vaccination in the workplace. 


]]> In this episode, AGG Employment and Litigation attorneys Megan P. Mitchell and Edward P. Cadagin discuss considerations for employers who are thinking about implementing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, or who wish to offer incentives to employees who receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Megan and Ed also discuss the EEOC’s updated guidance on vaccination in the workplace. 


]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-8686582 Tue, 15 Jun 2021 12:00:00 -0400 1156 1 2 full false How to Address Employees Who Do Not Want to Return to the Workplace How to Address Employees Who Do Not Want to Return to the Workplace As COVID-19 vaccinations have become readily available, more and more businesses are returning employees to work on a pre-COVID schedule. The CDC recently issued guidance stating fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in most cases. Some workers, though, are not anxious to return to work. In this episode, AGG Employment partners, Ashley S. Kelly and Theresa Y. Kananen, discuss how to handle several common scenarios in which employees are reluctant to return to work. 

]]> As COVID-19 vaccinations have become readily available, more and more businesses are returning employees to work on a pre-COVID schedule. The CDC recently issued guidance stating fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in most cases. Some workers, though, are not anxious to return to work. In this episode, AGG Employment partners, Ashley S. Kelly and Theresa Y. Kananen, discuss how to handle several common scenarios in which employees are reluctant to return to work. 

]]> Arnall Golden Gregory LLP Buzzsprout-8625966 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400 1267 1 1 full false