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...
Discipline is an act on the part of the employer to address and correct inappropriate behavior or a policy violation by an employee. Discipline functions both as an incentive for employees to refrain from bad behavior in the first place and as a corrective if...
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...
To make sure you are aligned with OSHA rules, keep an eye on training. Note that these requirements will vary by company. While the requirements may be extensive for one company, they may be minimal for another. Ultimately, it depends on the type of work...
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...
WASHINGTON – In the summer months, many employers hire young workers to meet increased demand. Across the nation in 2022, millions of teenagers are working in the agriculture, food services, retail, recreation and construction industries. At the same time, increases in child labor violations has the U.S....
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...
Are you rethinking your workforce strategy? The pandemic drastically changed markets. Many businesses closed in 2020, others retrenched and still others boomed. As you address your company's needs, are you wondering if you have enough workers to operate effectively? Rightsizing is the process of making a...