Human Resources

Yes, as long as you’re not discriminating based on protected classes or characteristics, you can conduct reference checks for certain roles but not others. For example, you may decide that supervisory roles or positions with access to sensitive information warrant this additional step during the...

There really isn’t a strict definition of what constitutes job abandonment. Many employers use the standard of three consecutive absences with no notice, but you can set the standard for your organization. To keep everyone on the same page, we recommend defining job abandonment in your...

The reasons for talent shortages can get complex. Oftentimes, they stem from one or more of the following: Deficiencies in the organization's practices as they relate to employees, such as bad managers, pay inequity or overdemanding workloads. Employees leaving for personal reasons, such as health...

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced that the 2021 EEO-1 Component 1 data collection is now open. The deadline to file the report is May 17, 2022. Employers should visit the EEO-1 Component 1 website for the latest filing updates and additional information. Employers...

Question: A longtime good employee was caught forging his timesheet. We have terminated others for this policy violation in the past. Do I have to terminate this employee as well? His work has always otherwise been excellent, and I don't want to lose him. Answer from...

DHS Ending Temporary Policy for Form I-9 Identity Documents Beginning May 1, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ending its temporary Form I-9 policy that allows employers to accept List B documents that expired on or after March 1, 2020. DHS adopted the temporary...

As America continues to move through the COVID-19 pandemic, we're confident we’ll emerge stronger than ever, and one of the main reasons is increased understanding of the need to support each other. By crystalizing the critical link between work and wellbeing, the past two years...

The hybrid work model is exploding in popularity. Businesses recognize that flexible work is here to stay and top talent expects it. Hybrid work is a blended model that consists of some employees who work 100% remotely, others who work in an office, and the majority...

Question: An employee in a job that regularly requires lifting 50 pounds now says they can only regularly lift 25 because of an off-the-job injury. Can we terminate? Answer: Possibly, but proceed with caution. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers that have 15 or...

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects Americans with health-related conditions from exclusions, limitations and discrimination in group health coverage. It also imposes confidentiality rules on medical professionals regarding patients' records. Indeed, cyber thieves see data as a commodity, and patients' digital medical records...