How do we know if we’re required to provide FMLA for our employees?

Answer from Jenny, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides covered employees job-protected, unpaid leave for family or medical related reasons, such as to care for a sick family member or the birth or adoption of a child. Private sector...

Federal Law Alert: Federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Takes Effect

Federal employment law is about to give birth to some long-overdue requirements. As of June 27, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees must provide pregnancy-related accommodations to employees and applicants under the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)....

Keeping Up with Labor Law Posting Requirements

All businesses are required by law to be in compliance with current laws that affect the workplace. Labor laws are protections and safeguards that are designed to ensure employees are safe and protected on the job. The problem? These state and federal regulations can...

We need to terminate an employee due to poor performance. Should we give them a letter outlining why we are terminating them?

Answer from Daniel, SHRM-CP: There is no federal requirement for employers to provide written notice about why someone is being terminated, but we do recommend providing written notice as best practice. This reduces the likelihood of the terminated employee spinning...

What You Need to Know About Lactation Accommodations

Breastfeeding employees who are returning to work usually know how much extra work pumping is going to be. They’ve thought about the bulky pump and its multiple attachments, how they can bring it into and out of the workplace inconspicuously, whether they’ll have time...

FMLA Turns 30: Let’s Get Back to Basics

For 30 years, HR professionals have been working with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a federal law enacted to protect employees’ jobs and medical insurance when they need to take unpaid time away from work for certain family and medical reasons. While FMLA...