Human Resources

A hiring manager, eager to fill an exciting new role in the company, reacquaints himself with a candidate’s resume as that candidate takes a seat across from him. Looking up, the hiring manager jolts involuntarily, surprised to see a gray-haired man likely in his late...

Question: Can I require applicants to have a high school diploma? Answer: We recommend that you not require applicants to have a high school diploma unless you can demonstrate that the requirement is job-related and consistent with business necessity. Requiring a diploma when it's unrelated to...

Research shows a strong link between employee recognition and retention. These studies found that recognition programs can increase employee morale, productivity and organizational commitment. As a result, employers are increasingly adopting recognition programs, which include awards such as plaques and trophies. Recognition awards are typically given to employees...

Telehealth has been around for decades. In the past couple of years, however, the practice has gained immense steam. In fact, telehealth is now a core aspect of many employers' group health plans for several reasons: Telehealth can reduce health care costs, i.e., it can...

Question: Can we ask references about an applicant’s previous use of sick time? We’d like to get a sense of their reliability. Answer: No, you shouldn’t make any inquiries into an applicant’s history of calling in sick. Asking about absences because of illness or injury before...

A 2020 report from Reuters revealed that the number of remote employees worldwide is expected to double in 2021. Further, in a survey by LaSalle Network, 77% of executives said they expected to be following a hybrid model in 12 months, having some employees work...

Yes, in two circumstances. First, you can discipline the employee if their other job violates your outside employment (aka moonlighting) policy. Second, you can discipline an employee who obtained FMLA leave fraudulently. If, however, you do not have a policy that specifically prohibits employees from...