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Mastering Tough FMLA Issues: Substitution of Paid Leave

This article series addresses some of the most confusing real world problems surrounding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In the last installment, we focused on FMLA leave regarding spouses who work for the same company.  In this article, we’ll focus on substituting paid leave for FMLA leave.

What Employee Benefits Are Required by Law?

When it comes to employee benefits, surprisingly few are required by law in the United States. For example, the United States, unlike most other countries, does not mandate that employers provide vacation days, sick days, or maternity or paternity leave.

FMLA Certification: Getting Clarification and Authentication

What should an employer do when an FMLA certification form is received that is unclear? Perhaps it's filled out completely, but the handwriting is illegible in some places. Or perhaps it appears as though it may have been filled out by someone other than the person who signed it. What actions can be taken without […]

Guns in the Workplace Policies

In yesterday’s Advisor, we heard from attorney Allan H. Weitzman concerning policies that keep up with the times. Today we’ll hear from him about gun policies and EEO. Weitzman, a partner with the Proskauer law firm, offered his tips at the SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas. Guns in the Workplace Weitzman points […]

Key tips to remember when counseling and disciplining employees

by Michelle Lee Flores There is nothing like a gentle reminder or a “cheat sheet” to look at when counseling or disciplining employees. The key thing to remember is that although nothing can absolutely insulate you from claims of discrimination or wrongdoing, there are steps you can take to get to the ultimate goal of […]

Ending the Employer-Employee Relationship-Resignation vs. Termination

Despite high-profile portrayals in the media and entertainment industry to the contrary, most managers don’t enjoy firing employees. Indeed, many go through great lengths to avoid firing staff, such as investing in performance improvement plans (PIPs) or looking for other roles within the company that better fit the employee’s strengths. Still, whether due to poor […]

Serious Lack of Trust in HR Continues into the Coronavirus Outbreak

Do employees trust HR? That’s the question two different organizations sought answers for in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Each found discouraging results that should be of serious concern as HR faces the many challenges brought about by the virus. I had a chance to discuss the findings of each with a number of […]

North Dakota eases PTO payout rules

by Lisa Edison-Smith Because of new legislation taking effect August 1, private-sector employers in North Dakota will find it easier to avoid paying out unused paid time off (PTO) or vacation time when employees quit. Under the old law, an employer was required to pay a departing employee for any PTO or vacation time that […]

Benefits and Pitfalls of Electronic Recordkeeping

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorney Catherine Gray covered the basics of electronic recordkeeping; today, its benefits and pitfalls, a warning about shadow records, plus help with the most basic records of all—job descriptions. Gray, an associate in the Hartford, Connecticut office of Robinson and Cole LLP, delivered her remarks at BLR’s National Employment Law Update recent, […]