The increasing religious and spiritual diversity of the workplace, as well as legal protections that continue to emerge for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) employees, can present complex and confusing issues for employers. Regarding religion in the workplace, one employee’s religious expression is another employee’s hostile work environment; one employee’s accommodation is another employee’s added burden. Creating an LGBTQ-inclusive workplace presents a number of challenges for employers, too, ranging from effectively managing employee relations issues to designing inclusive benefits plans. This session will provide an overview of frequently debated areas concerning religion in the workplace, offer key considerations and practical advice regarding LGBTQ issues in the workplace, and discuss the intersection of religion and LGBTQ issues. In this session, you will:
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Michael S. Cohen, J.D.
Partner
Duane Morris, LLP
Connect Online with this Speaker
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Michael S. Cohen is a partner in Duane Morris’ Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group. Michael concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling. He has trained and counseled employers throughout the country on subjects including harassment prevention; diversity, equity and inclusion; combatting implicit bias; performance management; discipline and discharge; hiring and recruiting practices; performance evaluations; FMLA, ADA and FLSA compliance; leave of absence policies; LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace; substance abuse testing; workplace violence; records retention; conducting background checks; and more. Michael also has conducted investigations into claims of harassment and discrimination and has drafted employee handbooks, employment agreements, non-compete agreements and post-termination agreements. Michael regularly conducts in excess of 200 trainings each year. He has represented clients throughout the country in EEO and other administrative proceedings.
Michael has been cited as a national authority on employment issues by The New York Times, The Associated Press, USA Today, MSNBC.com, HR Magazine, SHRM On-Line, Employment Law 360, Inside Counsel Magazine, as well as many other publications. Michael serves as an Advisory Board Member of GenHERation and as a Board Member of Serve, Inc. Michael is a 1997 magna cum laude graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law and a cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.