What Evidence Helps Prove a Bonus or Commission Claim in New York?
The strongest evidence in a New York bonus or commission dispute usually shows what the employer promised, what the employee did to earn the compensation, and why payment should have been made. Offer letters, compensation plans, employment agreements, sales records, emails, quota reports, and pay statements can help establish whether a bonus...
What Should Employees Look for in a Commission Agreement in New York?
A commission agreement decides how much of your income you actually keep. Before you sign one in New York, look closely...
Five Days to Comply: Inside New York’s Employee Personnel Records Access Law
Beginning November 8, 2026, New York employees will have a new legal right to access personnel records their employers maintain about them. Employers generally have 5 business days to provide a free copy after receiving a written request,...
Can My Employer Deny Remote Work as an Accommodation?
Yes, an employer may deny remote work as a reasonable accommodation, but not simply because it prefers employees to work in the office. If you have a qualifying disability, your employer generally must evaluate whether working remotely would allow you to perform the essential functions of your job and participate in...
Can You Get a Workplace Accommodation for Anxiety or Depression?
Yes. Anxiety and depression may qualify for a reasonable workplace accommodation if they meet the definition of a disability under applicable federal, New York State, or New York City law. Employees who need changes to help them perform the essential functions of their jobs may have the right to request accommodations, and...
Is It Legal to Record HR Meetings in New York?
You can generally record an HR meeting in New York without telling the other participants, as long as you are personally taking part in the conversation. New York follows a one-party consent rule, meaning the consent of one participant is ordinarily enough. However, a lawful recording can still create workplace risks...
What Is the 7 Minute Clock Rule for Employees?
The "7-minute rule" refers to a payroll time-rounding practice that allows employers to round employee clock-in and clock-out times under limited circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a law that automatically permits employers to disregard several minutes of work each day. In New York City, employers must still pay employees...
Paid Prenatal Leave in NYC and How to Use It
Employees in New York are now entitled to paid prenatal leave for certain pregnancy-related healthcare appointments and medical care. Effective January 1, 2025, New York became the first state to require employers to provide paid prenatal leave as a separate employment benefit. Understanding how this leave works, who qualifies, and how...
Can I Be Punished for Using Sick Time in NYC?
In most cases, no. Employers generally cannot discipline, fire, or otherwise retaliate against employees for lawfully using protected sick leave under New York City or New York law. While employers may enforce reasonable attendance policies, they cannot punish employees for exercising their legal right to earned sick leave. If disciplinary action...
Can My Job Demand a Doctor’s Note for Sick Leave?
Yes, in some situations an employer may require a doctor's note for sick leave, but New York City law limits when and how employers can request medical documentation. Whether an employer can ask for a doctor's note depends on how long you have been absent, the employer's leave policies, and the...