Houston Employment Law Blog

People in Texas and throughout the country who have disabilities generally need extra help to live and work. However, disclosing their disabilities may make it harder to find a job. The Americans With Disabilities Act is designed to help such individuals remain competitive in the job market. This doesn't mean that employers necessarily understand or comply with it. Those who have mental conditions also tend to feel as if companies only take steps to help those with physical disabilities.

To help both workers and employers learn more about their rights and responsibilities, October is designated as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Efforts are undertaken on the federal level as well as in some states to help create a more inclusive workplace. Generally speaking, companies tend to be more successful when they create a diverse workforce that includes people with mental and physical disabilities.

A female executive at Spotify is suing the music streaming company for discriminating against employees of the opposite gender. Hong Perez’s accusations include systematic discrimination against female employees and sexual harassment. The sales executive also claims that the Swedish company is paying women less than their male counterparts.

You’re a high-powered professional who is used to handling all sorts of sophisticated tasks with focus, efficiency and purpose. But if your employer doesn’t fulfill its commitments regarding benefits that are supposed to go with your job, it can really put you in a tough spot.

For example, what if you develop a disabling condition and your employer or its insurance company doesn’t pay out on your disability insurance?

Older workers in Texas may be concerned that they are not receiving a fair shake when it comes to job hunting, negotiating pay or seeking a promotion. Even 51 years after the Age Discrimination in Employment Act passed, workers over the age of 40 continue to face discrimination on the job. The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has shown that it is interested in zealously pursuing these cases, and the agency recently settled one case with restaurant chain Texas Roadhouse for $12 million.

There is a number of reasons why the EEOC is actively working to reduce age discrimination in the workplace. First, complaints about the practice have remained substantial and are even growing. In one survey conducted by AARP, three-fifths of workers age 45 or older reported personally suffering from age discrimination or witnessing others being discriminated against. This behavior continues despite the fact that age discrimination has been illegal for over half a century. In addition, stereotypes about older workers are common, and individuals can be dismissed for their age despite their technical knowledge, skills, innovation or experience.