An up-to-date, compliant handbook is a viable first line of defense against huge litigation costs. The implementation of clear, concise policies that employees understand and managers apply consistently can help employees feel like they are being treated fairly and can reduce the number of claims...
The importance of documenting performance problems as they occur cannot be overstated. Although this requires meeting with the employee and discussing the issue, which will almost certainly be uncomfortable, it’s an employer’s best defense to a wrongful termination claim should the employee feel litigious after...
Question: Do I have to keep my OSHA 300 logs up to date during the retention period? Answer: Employers must retain all OSHA Forms for Recording Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (300, 301, and 300A) for a period of five years following the end of the calendar...
The Hill reports a House GOP bill which seeks to “delay or repeal certain parts of” the Affordable Care Act “will cost $51.6 billion over the next decade, according to” an analysis conducted by the Congressional Budget Office. The article says the House Rules Committee...
Question: We are considering a layoff due to an economic downturn in our industry. What exposure do we have if affected employees are current out on leave such as short-term disability leave and/or FMLA Leave? Answer: Although an employee using medical leave will have protection and...
Don’t Believe Everything You Read (At Least, Right Now) ETC is pleased to be your eyes and ears into the compliance world, whether it’s the Affordable Care Act, Human Resource concerns, Department of Labor issues, anything. In addition to monitoring the details and nuances involved in...
DOL Wage & Hour Division Serious in Its Mission: What Employers Need to Know and Remember In case any employer believes that “it won’t happen to me,” the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division is here to disabuse them of that notion. Here are several...
Question: Should we include detailed travel duties and working hours in our job description, or should we keep it more general? Answer: A position requiring a high volume of business travel or unusual work hours should have that detail included in the job description. Without that,...
Question: An employee is on a six-week unpaid leave of absence. During her leave, the business has undergone several changes and her previous role no longer exists. We do have a different position for her upon her return, but we’re not sure how to address...
Question: Our company sometimes reimburses new employees for their moving expenses when they relocate to join the company. Now that there is no deduction for moving expenses, can we still reimburse moving expenses? Answer: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended the moving expense deduction for...