What Is Discrimination?

A hiring manager, eager to fill an exciting new role in the company, reacquaints himself with a candidate’s resume as that candidate takes a seat across from him. Looking up, the hiring manager jolts involuntarily, surprised to see a gray-haired man likely in his late...

An employee emailed us saying that if we didn’t give them a raise, the email would serve as a resignation notice. What do we need to do to accept this resignation?

Answer from Laura, MA, SHRM-CP: We recommend you reach out to the employee to inform them of your decision not to provide them with a raise. In this communication, you can note that you’re accepting their resignation per their email and ask them when their last day...

What should we do if a candidate asks us not to contact their current employer?

Answer from Shawna, SHRM-CP: It’s ultimately up to you, but we’d generally recommend that you honor the request. The candidate may have a good reason for asking you not to contact their current employer. They may fear retaliation if their manager gets wind of their...

An employee allegedly made a racially insensitive comment in the presence of a coworker. How should we respond?

Answer from Kyle, PHR: You need to investigate the matter. A racially insensitive comment could be considered harassment—unwelcome behavior that’s based on a protected class such as race. Harassment becomes unlawful if putting up with it is a condition of continued...

Can a part-time employee be exempt?

Answer from Aimee, GPHR, SHRM-SCP: Yes, a part-time employee may be classified as exempt. The minimum salary and duties requirements must still be met, of course. And the minimum salary cannot be prorated when an exempt employee works part-time. In other words, the...

If an employee runs out of paid time off, can we allow them to take an unpaid leave?

Answer from Kim, SPHR, AAM, CPIW: In most cases, yes. In general, you can offer the option of unpaid leave when an employee has used all of their paid leave time. A few things to keep in mind: In some situations, such as under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the...