Social Security Star - Social Security Benefits Increase in 2020 (December 2019)

Brenda Czyz, Lighthouse Technology Services

Brenda Czyz serves as Client Partner for Lighthouse Technology Services, a Buffalo headquartered IT Staffing & Recruiting Firm known as The Place for Technology Talent.  

In her role with Lighthouse, Brenda offers over 19 years of comprehensive professional experience in HR, recruiting, account management, and project delivery. And her expertise as an HR & recruiting leader supports Lighthouse’s mission of connecting companies to the right technology professionals at the right time.

Brenda is a progressive industry partner who helps IT professionals navigate the often-complicated tech hiring process. By utilizing her skills in resume reviewing and creation, tech interviewing, and job-search coaching, Brenda creates a more enjoyable experience for IT professionals changing careers.

Brenda is an honor graduate of Alfred University, where she focused on Business Administration and Psychology - proficiencies she employs to tremendous value, today.

In addition to her work at Lighthouse, Brenda has been a member of the BNHRA for 2 years, where she supports the Professional Development Director and has served as a 2019 Disrupt HR Volunteer.  Brenda is also member of the Empower Camp Leadership Team, where she helps enable young women to radiate strength, have the courage to speak up, and be empowered to reach their full potential.  Brenda and her husband Nick also have four very energetic children who keep them busy with soccer, volleyball, and track & field events, along with parent volunteering.

New York State Issues Additional Anti-Harassment Guidance - Nov 8, 2019

As New York State employers are now aware – as a result of amendments to the New York State Human Rights Law (“Law”) in 2018 – all employers in New York State are required to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide annual sexual harassment prevention training to all employees.  As we previously reported in our August client alert, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed additional amendments to the Law imposing significant new obligations on employers regarding anti-harassment policies and training.  One of these new requirements is that “at the time of hire” and at every annual sexual harassment prevention training,
employers must provide every employee with a notice containing the employer’s sexual harassment prevention policy and complaint form, as well as the training materials presented at the employer’s sexual harassment prevention training program. New York State has now issued a template Sexual Harassment Prevention Notice for employees to meet this obligation and updated the FAQs on its Combating Sexual Harassment website to provide additional guidance to employers.  Read the full article here

New York State Bans Discrimination Based on Reproductive Health Decision Making - Nov 22, 2019

On November 8, 2019, Governor Cuomo signed into law an amendment to the New York State Labor Law banning employment discrimination based on an employee’s “reproductive health decision making” or that of an
employee’s dependents. The law adds a new Section 203-e to the New York State Labor Law and yet another category to the ever-increasing list of characteristics protected from employment discrimination. It also follows a similar law enacted in New York City last year. The new law, which took effect upon signing by the Governor, can be found here.  What Does the New Law Prohibit?  The new law defines “reproductive health decision making” as “including but not limited to, the decision to use or access a particular drug, device or medical service.”  Read the full article here.