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...

A candidate told us they have a disability. What do we need to do?

Answer from Rachel, SHRM-SCP: We recommend asking if they need an accommodation during the application process, but above all, ensure that having this information doesn’t influence your hiring decision. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to...

What is “at-will employment”? Does that mean I can fire an employee for any reason?

Answer from Marisa, SPHR: At-will employment means that the employer or employee can end the employment relationship for almost any reason (with or without cause) at any time (with or without notice). It does not, however, allow you to terminate someone for an illegal...

Vermont Increases Minimum Wage

On January 1, 2023, Vermont’s minimum wage will increase to $13.18 per hour. The minimum base wage for tipped employees will increase to $6.59 per hour. Vermont’s minimum wage applies to employers that have two or more employees. Employers with one employee can...

Massachusetts Law Alert

Massachusetts Increases Minimum Wage and Ends Premium Pay The following wage and hour changes will take effect on January 1, 2023. Minimum Wage Massachusetts’s minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour. The minimum base wage for tipped employees will increase to...