Discuss some of the protected characteristics covered by equal employment opportunity laws and why they are important in today$$s employment setting.

You recently learned that two of your key female employees will be taking maternity leave around the same time. What procedures or rules do you need to be aware of based on the Pregnancy Discrimination Act $($PDA$)?$

Use the U$.$S$.$ Department of Labor website $($www$.$dol.gov$)$ to further research a topic discussed in this chapter. Be sure to understand what the particular law $($act$)$ is protecting and what the rules are that companies need to follow to comply with this act.

For many individuals, the nature of work and jobs is changing. Describe these changes, some reasons for them, and how they are affecting both human resource management and individuals.