If we get called for a reference, can we just verify the former employee’s dates of employment?

Answer from Kyle, PHR: Yes, it’s up to you how much or how little you share about a former employee. There’s no legal requirement to supply employment references for former employees. If you do share any information, it should be fair and accurate. Many organizations...

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...

New York Law Alert

New York 2023 New Year Update: Paid Family Leave, COVID Vaccination Leave, and Minimum Wages and Salaries The following changes to New York employment law cover employers of all sizes. PAID FAMILY LEAVE EXPANDED TO COVER SIBLINGS Beginning on January 1, 2023, eligible...

Federal Law Alert: Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Increases

Beginning on January 1, 2023, the minimum wage for work performed on or in connection with federal contracts will increase as follows: For contracts covered by Executive Order 13658: the minimum wage will increase to $12.15 per hour and the minimum base wage for...

Do we have to get permission to run a background check?

Answer from Jenny, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: The short answer is yes: the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to get permission from your applicant or employee before conducting a background check. Aside from this legal requirement, telling applicants what to expect...

Can employers provide feedback on a potential hire’s or current employee’s clothing?

Answer from Eric, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: If an employee’s clothing does not conform to your personal appearance rules or dress code policy, you can certainly let the employee know, ask them to change, and discipline them for violating the policy. Regarding job applicants, we...