OK at Work

Russell Berger & Sarah Sawyer, Offit Kurman
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OK at Work, hosted by Offit Kurman attorneys Russell Berger and Sarah Sawyer, is a weekly podcast that discusses current events and legal issues impacting business owners. From updates on the ever-changing employment law landscape to the risks and benefits of integrating AI into your workplace, subscribe to stay up-to-date on issues and events that may impact you and your business.

  1. 2D AGO

    Valentine's Day Insights on Office Romance

    In this Valentine's Day special of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the complexities and legal implications of workplace relationships. They reference a recent Forbes survey revealing that a significant percentage of employees who date or marry colleagues, which can lead to various challenges for employers. The episode talks about potential legal concerns such as harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and favoritism. To address these issues, implementing clear anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policy would be beneficial, as well as handling supervisory relationships with caution. Flexibility and a focus on impact are recommended for effectively managing workplace romances. 00:00 Introduction and Valentine's Day Theme 00:15 Workplace Relationships Statistics 00:50 Challenges for Employers 01:29 Legal Considerations and Policies 02:28 Managing Office Romances 03:17 Company Size and Policy Flexibility 04:54 Supervisors and Different Standards 05:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    7 min

  2. FEB 3

    Strategies for Business Resilience in Weather Crises

    In this week's episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss how businesses can handle weather-related interruptions. From snowstorms to hurricanes, they explore the importance of being prepared, having a flexible plan, and considering both operational continuity and employee safety. Key topics include remote work protocols, handling compensation for exempt and non-exempt employees, and maintaining a positive work culture during disruptive weather events. 00:00 Introduction to Weather Interruptions 00:55 Importance of Having a Plan 01:33 Employee Safety and Business Continuity 02:02 Flexibility and Community Building 03:57 Handling Compensation Issues 04:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    5 min

  3. JAN 27

    Investing in Employees Amidst 2026 Legal Changes

    Join Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they kick off 2026 by discussing newly enacted labor laws, upcoming legislative sessions, and emerging trends. This episode focuses on the 'TRAP' laws seen in states like California and New York, which target post-employment training reimbursement obligations. They explore alternatives for employers to invest in their employees within the evolving legal landscape and emphasize the importance of adapting to state-specific regulations. 00:00 Introduction and New Year Kickoff 00:45 Emerging Trends in Employment Laws 02:08 Understanding Training, Repayment, Agreement, Provisions (TRAP) 02:58 Implications for Employers Across States 04:05 Navigating Legal Changes and Protecting Investments 04:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    5 min

  4. JAN 20

    Effective Management During Employee Leave

    In this week's episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss effective strategies for managing employees who are on leave, such as FMLA or sick leave. They cover important considerations for companies, including how to manage performance proactively, the importance of documentation, and navigating potential risks of retaliation claims. The episode emphasizes the significance of consistent management and following processes to mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:19 Managing Employees on Leave: Key Considerations 02:10 Proactive Performance Management 03:16 Navigating Employee Leave Requests 04:13 Conclusion and Farewell

    5 min

  5. JAN 13

    Foundations of Effective Succession Planning

    Join Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman as they discuss the critical topic of succession planning in this week's episode of OK at Work. Learn about the importance of standard operating procedures, timing, formalization, and seamless transitions to ensure business continuity when leaders or managers retire or move on. Discover how having a clear roadmap, well-timed exit strategies, and collaborative handovers can help your organization maintain stability and capitalize on new opportunities. 00:00 Introduction to Succession Planning00:59 Importance of Standard Operating Procedures02:03 Planning for Timing and Communication03:24 Training and Transition Period04:05 Ensuring Stability During Transitions04:37 Adapting to New Leadership05:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    5 min

  6. JAN 6

    Adapting to the Evolving Marijuana Legislation

    In this episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the recent federal reclassification of marijuana and what it means for employers. They explore how these changes impact business policies, particularly in states where marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use. The conversation explores the differences in handling marijuana compared to other substances like alcohol and prescription drugs, and addresses the complexities of navigating state and federal regulations. 00:00 Introduction to Federal Reclassification of Marijuana 00:45 Implications for Employers and Business Owners 01:25 Evolving Treatment of Cannabis in the Workplace 02:37 Health-Related Aspects and Future Developments 03:48 State Regulations and Multi-State Employer Challenges 04:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    5 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    2026 Legal Forecast on AI and Regulations

    In the last OK at Work episode of 2025, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger, attorneys at Offit Kurman, discuss the upcoming legal challenges and trends for 2026. Focusing on the evolving impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, they explore its implications across various legal areas, including privacy, employment law, and state regulations. They predict a significant focus on AI legislation at both state and federal levels and share insights on how business owners can navigate these emerging legal landscapes. 00:00 Introduction and Year-End Reflection 00:24 Planning for 2026: Legal Considerations 00:44 The Impact of AI on Business and Law 02:16 State vs. Federal Regulations on AI 04:02 Conclusion and Predictions for 2026

    5 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Incentivizing Employees with Phantom Equity

    In this episode of OK at Work, attorneys Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger from Offit Kurman discuss the concept of phantom equity and its role in incentive compensation. As year-end approaches, businesses evaluate bonuses and future incentives. Phantom equity, a form of compensation for executive-level employees, operates like actual equity without involving ownership or entanglements. It serves as a mechanism to align company and individual goals, especially during events like a business sale, by promising bonuses based on hypothetical ownership stakes. Ideal for fostering an ownership mindset without the complexities of real equity, phantom equity offers a flexible and strategic incentive option. 00:00 Introduction to Incentive Compensation 00:48 Understanding Phantom Equity 01:30 Benefits and Uses of Phantom Equity 02:25 Comparing Phantom Equity to Actual Equity 03:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    4 min
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About

OK at Work, hosted by Offit Kurman attorneys Russell Berger and Sarah Sawyer, is a weekly podcast that discusses current events and legal issues impacting business owners. From updates on the ever-changing employment law landscape to the risks and benefits of integrating AI into your workplace, subscribe to stay up-to-date on issues and events that may impact you and your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Russell Berger & Sarah Sawyer, Offit Kurman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Offit Kurman
  • Show Website
    OK at Work