In this episode of Ground Rules, Pam, Jennifer, and Doug dive into the surprisingly complex topic of work phones vs. personal phones—and what it means for employers.

From wage and hour risks to trade secrets walking out the door, this conversation covers the legal and practical issues that arise when employees use their own devices for work. They unpack:

• Wage and hour pitfalls for off-the-clock work
• Data security and confidentiality concerns
• Legal implications of lost or stolen devices
• Documentation gaps in litigation
• Best practices for onboarding, offboarding, and policy development

If you’ve ever asked whether to issue company phones—or let employees use their own—this episode is your roadmap to making that decision thoughtfully and defensibly.

*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!

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Under the ADA, disability discrimination isn’t limited to individuals with diagnosed conditions. Employers can get into legal trouble simply for assuming someone has a disability. In this episode of Ground Rules, Pam, Doug, and Jennifer break down the often-overlooked “regarded as” prong of the ADA. They walk through real-world litigation examples—from assumptions about mental health and addiction to physical appearance and hospitalization—and explain how seemingly well-intentioned actions can trigger serious liability.

What’s the biggest takeaway? Don’t make assumptions—ask questions. Tune in to learn:

• What “regarded as” discrimination really means
• Why assumptions about health conditions can backfire
• What supervisors and HR teams should be trained to recognize

*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