What happens when an employee leaves—and you suspect they took more than just their experience with them? In this episode, we build on Chapter 15 of Law for Leaders and unpack the growing number of claims involving stolen confidential information, customer relationships, and trade secrets.

We talk through the real-world challenges employers face in these situations, including one of the biggest hurdles: proving that something was actually taken. From there, we shift to what you can do proactively—how to identify what information matters most to your business, who should have access to it, and how to protect it in a way that will actually hold up if there’s ever a dispute.

We also cover confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements, common misconceptions around what counts as “solicitation,” and why your offboarding process can make or break your ability to enforce these protections later. This is one of those topics where thinking ahead is everything.

Most workplace claims don’t start with bad intent—they start with missed signals. In this episode, we discuss why issue-spotting is one of the most critical skills for supervisors, how gaps in training create risk, and what it takes to recognize problems early and respond appropriately.

That’s exactly why we created No Judgment Here—an interactive training tool designed to get leaders talking through the real-world situations they face every day. Instead of passively sitting through training, supervisors work through practical scenarios, think through their responses, and build the habits that help prevent issues from turning into claims.

Purchase No Judgment Here!

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn
📧 Sign up for our email blast
📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program
👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

In this episode of Ground Rules: Employment Law Over Your Coffee Break, Pam, Doug, and Jen discuss what they’re seeing from the EEOC in the first few months of 2026. Reviewing recent lawsuits, settlements, and agency announcements, the team talks about the claims that continue to show up the most — especially disability discrimination — along with newer enforcement priorities that employers should be paying attention to.

They also cover the EEOC’s recent focus on DEI-related programs, letters sent to large employers, and high-profile cases that may signal a shift in how the agency approaches discrimination claims. The episode wraps up with practical takeaways on why policy review, supervisor training, and documentation remain critical as enforcement trends continue to evolve.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn
📧 Sign up for our email blast
📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program
👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers