Set the stage. Open the "Legal Compliance: ADA, FMLA & the HR Partnership" session by introducing this slide — "Protected Classes — Know Before You Decide". Briefly explain why this topic matters to the managers in the room and what they'll be able to do differently by the end of the deck. Invite people to keep a notepad handy for questions. Talking points (walk through each in order): 1. Federal Protected Classes. Race, color, religion, sex, national origin (Title VII); age 40+ (ADEA); disability (ADA); pregnancy (PDA); genetic information (GINA) Facilitator tip: say this in your own words, then ask the group for a real example of "federal protected classes" from their own team before moving on. 2. Why It Matters. Any employment decision — hiring, promotion, discipline, termination — that disproportionately affects a protected class without business justification is legally actionable Facilitator tip: say this in your own words, then ask the group for a real example of "why it matters" from their own team before moving on. 3. The Manager's Rule. Know the categories. Before making any employment decision, ask: "Is any protected characteristic playing a role in this decision?" If yes, stop and call HR. Facilitator tip: say this in your own words, then ask the group for a real example of "the manager's rule" from their own team before moving on. 4. State Law Adds More. Many states add additional protected categories. HR is the authoritative source for your jurisdiction. Facilitator tip: say this in your own words, then ask the group for a real example of "state law adds more" from their own team before moving on. 5. The Safeguard. Document the business reason for every significant employment decision — in writing, at the time you make it Facilitator tip: say this in your own words, then ask the group for a real example of "the safeguard" from their own team before moving on. Engage the room. Ask: "How does this show up in your team today?" — let two or three people respond. Timing & transition. Aim for roughly 6–7 minutes on this slide. When the points have landed, transition forward with a short bridge such as "Now that we've covered protected classes — know before you decide, let's look at what comes next."

Speaker Notes · Slide 1

Legal Compliance: ADA, FMLA & the HR Partnership