How should we handle returning personal belongings to a terminated employee? Can we pack them up for the employee?

by | Jan 25, 2021 | Business Tips, Employment Law

Question: How should we handle returning personal belongings to a terminated employee? Can we pack them up for the employee? Answer from Monica, SPHR, SHRM-CP: You may pack personal belonging for the employee or ask that they come in and collect their items. My...

Compliance Requirements for a Remote Workforce

by | Jan 5, 2021 | Business Tips, Employment Law

According to Gallup, the number of days employees are working remotely has doubled during the pandemic. Some companies are even considering making a remote work arrangement permanent. While there are no laws that exclusively apply to remote workplaces, remote work...

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, should we cancel our annual holiday party?

by | Dec 7, 2020 | Business Tips, covid-19, General News

Answer from Emily, PHR: We would certainly recommend not having an in-person event this year, which could put your company, employees, customers, and community at risk. If your event spreads the virus, your employees could become sick, much of your workforce may need...

Can we require that employees give notice before quitting?

by | Nov 30, 2020 | Business Tips, Employment Law

Answer from Megan, SPHR, JD: Requiring departing employees to give notice could jeopardize their at-will status (if applicable). To avoid this, I recommend requesting that employees provide notice instead of requiring it. Asking for notice as a professional courtesy...

Four Steps to Take When an Employee Is Diagnosed with COVID-19

by | Nov 30, 2020 | Business Tips, covid-19

As COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb, it’s imperative that organizations respond quickly when an employee is diagnosed. Here are the steps employers should take: Notify Employees  Employees should be notified of potential exposure in the workplace, but they...

Several of our employees have talked about having Thanksgiving with large groups of extended family. What can we do to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading into our workplace?

by | Nov 9, 2020 | Business Tips, covid-19, General News

Answer from Kara, JD, SPHR: Assuming you don’t want to make everyone quarantine or argue with employees about their Thanksgiving dinner plans, I’d follow the guidelines used for exposed healthcare workers. Everyone in the workplace should: 1. Wear a mask at all...