In episode 110 Coffey talks with Allison Bowers about employer’s legal responsibilities to caregivers and practical ways employers can accommodate their needs.
They discuss their own caregiver experiences; how remote work is has affected caregivers; biases and assumptions often made about caregivers; accommodations, including schedule flexibility, employers might consider to recruit and retain caregivers; the risk of selective accommodations; laws that protect caregivers such as FMLA, Title VII, and in some cases ADA; and other policies employers can have to support caregivers.
The EEOC guidance referenced by Allison can be found here: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-unlawful-disparate-treatment-workers-caregiving-responsibilities
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Allison Bowers
In the words of her peers, Allison Bowers “represents the very best of the legal profession – smart, honest, caring, and extremely capable.” Born and raised in a small Texas town, Allison’s approach to law reflects her grounded, practical roots. Allison is a frequent speaker on employment law topics, has been named to the Best Lawyers and Texas Super Lawyer lists, and has served as an expert witness on the legal sufficiency of an internal investigation.
After law school, Allison clerked for Lee Yeakel, now Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in Austin. Allison practiced as a commercial litigator with Baker Botts LLP for over ten years before co-founding Hutcheson Bowers LLLP, which celebrated its 12th anniversary in 2023.
Allison’s sensible and sympathetic perspective make her especially sought after as an investigator and counselor on difficult employee management issues. Executives love working with Allison for these same reasons. Allison is also called on to manage litigation because she is laser-focused on getting to the best resolution for her client in the most efficient way possible.
After busy days at work, Allison enjoys the peaceful process of tending to her orchids, some of which she’s had for over 10 years. Her oldest plant, a philodendron, is over 30 years old and has survived being dug up and hauled all over Austin. Her husband and teenage daughter often try to interrupt her, but she’s learned to tune them out.
Thank you for stressing the importance of employers drafting policies which are gender neutral. I was with an employer which employed several married couples. I could not get them to see the necessity in treating them equally when caring for sick children, or in one case, sick parents. Inevitably, it resulted in the loss of good employees. Yet it could have just as easily ended in legal issues.