OK at Work: COVID-19 State of Emergency Orders are Being Terminated
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss what is in store for employers now that most states, including Maryland, are in the process of eliminating COVID-19 restrictions. In Maryland, Governor Hogan announced that most COVID-19 restrictions will conclude on July 1st with any remaining orders ending 45 days later. Employers are wondering: what now? Before taking down the plexiglass barriers and throwing out the hand sanitizer, employers should consider what policies they should implement where vaccinated and unvaccinated employees are working together in person. Listen in as Sarah and Russell discuss these changes and other considerations for employers as we reach the light at the end of the tunnel.
June 22, 2021
OK at Work: Non-Competes
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss strategies for using restrictive covenants to protect your business’s interests in a shifting legal landscape. In 2019, Maryland enacted a law that prohibits non-competes for lower-earning employees, and Washington, D.C., recently passed a ban on non-competes. In addition to non-compete provisions, employers should also consider other forms of protection, such as confidentiality agreements and non-solicitation provisions. Listen in to hear more from Sarah and Russell.
June 15, 2021
OK at Work: Safety in the Workplace
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss safety in the workplace. With today’s workforce beginning their migration back to the offices, there are increased opportunities for safety concerns for employers. As tensions rise from the return, employers are looking to understand the liabilities that they face and the best practices for implementing policies for a safe workplace. Listen in to learn more.
June 8, 2021
OK at Work: Managing Remote Workplace Policies and Culture
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss how finding ways to engage, train and manage remote workers is paramount in today’s workplace. It can be easier for employment issues to go unnoticed or remain unresolved in a remote work environment, making remote work policies and thoughtful management of employees more critical than ever to maintain a thriving work environment. Listen in for some tips on managing your remote workforce.
June 2, 2021
OK at Work: Navigating the New Post COVID-19 Normal
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, now that some of the laws requiring certain workplace safety measures have been either eliminated or relaxed, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss what comes next for employers. These changes in the law, as well as the changes to CDC guidance, give employers more discretion and require more decision-making. Listen in to learn more.
May 25, 2021
OK at Work: Mask Guidance Updates
After the whirlwind of mask guidance last week, in this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger focus on what comes next. Since recording this episode, we have already seen states and localities adjust their mask mandates and we are certain that there will be more changes coming in short order. Given the fast-changing landscape, employers need to stay on top of all of the modifications coming their way. Listen in to learn more.
May 18, 2021
OK at Work: Special Episode
Listen in to this OK at Work: Special Episode from Offit Kurman attorneys, Russell Berger and Sarah Sawyer, as they provide information on the new CDC guidance for vaccinated individuals and how it will impact the workplace.
May 14, 2021
OK at Work: Implications of the National Labor Relations Act
On this week's episode of OK at Work, Russell Berger and Sarah Sawyer discuss the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which has much broader implications than non-unionized employers may realize. The NLRA and the decisions of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) impact all employers and restrict employers’ ability to discipline employees for some conduct they may view as harmful to the organization. Listen along to learn more.
May 11, 2021
OK at Work: Masks in the Workplace
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, in light of the CDC’s updated guidance and changes to Maryland’s mask mandate, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss masks in the workplace. While guidance and regulation is moving in the right direction, it is critical for all employers to stay informed of the state and local requirements applicable to their specific workplaces. Listen in to learn more about how to navigate evolving mask mandates.
May 4, 2021
OK at Work: Hiring in a Post-Pandemic World
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss hiring in a post-pandemic world and what that means for employers. As the world starts to reopen, many companies are looking to hire and some are bringing back employees who may have been laid off or furloughed. Having sound policies and procedures is critical to getting talent in the door. Listen in to find out more.
April 27, 2021
OK at Work: Managing Your Remote, Out-of-State, Workforce
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss looking at compliance laws across multiple states. Historically, most employers have been relatively centralized with one main hub, but many business owners now (especially in the technology sector and COVID-19 era) have to pay attention to multiple states where they may not even have offices but now have employees. Listen in to learn more.
April 20, 2021
OK at Work: Selling Your Business
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss preparing a business for sale from the employment point of view. Having compliant policies and procedures in place can make a business more attractive to a possible buyer, and having open or pending liabilities can impact an owner's ability to sell and the sale price. Even if a sale isn't imminent, businesses cannot fix employment issues overnight, and it is best to be proactive.
April 13, 2021
OK at Work: Returning to the Office
On this week’s episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger discuss going back to work after Google released statements that they will be returning their employees to their offices in April in a limited capacity. Bigger companies, such as Google, seem to be setting a precedent in the policies and procedures they’re implementing as they work toward reopening their doors. Listen along to find out more.
April 6, 2021

