What’s the difference between a furlough and a layoff?

Answered by the HR Experts Furloughs and layoffs are ways to reduce labor costs during times of economic hardship. They both involve a loss of work for employees, but there is a key difference between them. A furlough continues employment but reduces scheduled hours...

A remote employee’s roommate has been disrupting their work to the point that their performance is suffering. How should we handle this?

Answered by the HR Experts This situation should be handled the same way you’d manage most work disruptions affecting an employee’s performance. Start by having a conversation with the employee about the disruption and explaining your concerns and performance...

We’ve had a request for a religious accommodation, but I think the employee wants to get out of following the policy for other reasons. How do I determine whether a religious belief is legitimate and sincerely held?

Ordinarily, you should assume that an employee’s request for a religious accommodation is based on a sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice. The definition of religion is broad and protects beliefs, observances, and practices you may not be familiar...

We’re not bound by any law requiring us to conduct background checks, but we choose to do them for all new hires. Should we also do them when we rehire an employee?

Answered by the HR Experts It’s up to you. Conducting a background check when hiring a former employee would keep the process simple and straightforward. Every exception you add to a process gives you something else to remember—and potentially forget! That said, you...

Law Alert: Annual OSHA Form 300A Posting

Annual OSHA Form 300A Posting Begins February 1, Expanded Electronic Reporting Due March 2 Form 300A Workplace Posting Begins February 1 Covered employers that had 11 or more employees at any point in 2023 are required to post Occupational Safety and Health...

What is mentoring in the workplace?

Answered by the HR Experts Mentoring is a professional relationship between a senior or more experienced employee (the mentor) and a newer or less experienced one (the mentee). The mentor shares their knowledge and experience, offering guidance, advice, feedback, and...