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Last week, Quest Diagnostics released their annual report, and it showed a sharp increase in the number of positive drug tests in the workplace. Last year, the increase was credited to a rise in prescription drugs, but this year, Quest credits illicit drug use.

Employers today have choices that their predecessors did not. In the past, employers relied on a timecard and on their employees’ truthfulness when working offsite. (And, this wasn’t that long ago.

HR news has been all over the internet this week. From new OSHA regulations on restroom use to drug testing, the range of topics has been broad. However, there are two issues that will impact many HR professionals: the Ban the Box acceptance trend and a rise in illicit drug use in the workforce.

In the last month, employers have been top of mind for the courts, including the Supreme Court. The legislatures have been no different, focused on bringing mandates such as increased minimum wage and the nuances of the FCRA into law. But, which cases do you need to know about?

Hiring is a conundrum for many entrepreneurs and business owners, and a central function of HR. Are you doing hiring right? Could you be hiring better? This week, it’s all about finding and fitting the best people to your team. Image: timsackett.com … Tim Sackett:

Firstly, we’d like to extend a thank you to all of those who serve and have served in the U.S. and their families, and a sincere recognition of the debt we owe those who paid the greatest price for the freedom we enjoy today. Image:

HR is a complex calling—when your widgets are people, nothing is simple. However, the power of HR, when correctly executed, continues to grow. Chief among the concerns of HR is protecting the employees, but that is becoming increasingly complex as well.

The Supreme Court is weighing in on employment this week—first they filed a decision on the EEOC’s recent business practices, then they agreed to review the FCRA in light of social media profiles and the availability of consumer information online.

Adverse action lawsuits have popped up often in the past two years, and yet because the instance of an adverse action issue arising is rare compared to the number of applicants processed, companies often neglect compliance in this key area.

Home Depot reached a $1.8 million settlement this week, and many people stand to benefit. In other news, Texas is experiencing difficulties due to the dropping gas prices. Some economists even speculate that a recession may be on the brink for the state. Top class actions:

This week, a case with potential ramifications for both businesses and consumers received important attention from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—the Bureau and the Office of the Solicitor General sent an amicus brief on behalf of the plaintiff in the case of Spokeo, Inc. v. Thomas Robins…