Does “at-will employment” mean we can terminate without risk?

Answer from Monica, SPHR, SHRM-CP:No, termination always comes with some risk, even when the employment is at-will. While at-will employment allows either you or the employee to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or...

Can we extend a new employee’s probationary period? They aren’t meeting expectations yet.

Answer from Kara, JD, SPHR: You can extend an introductory period, but I would recommend a different approach. I’d also advise against using the word “probationary.” I’ll explain both points. Extending the Introductory Period First things first, be aware that having...

I just completed the I-9 with a new hire and realized I put down the wrong date. What do I do?

Answer from Megan, SPHR, JD: When you find an error on an I-9, the USCIS recommends that you do the following: Draw a line through the incorrect information. Enter the correct information. Initial and date the correction. Once you’ve completed the above steps, include...

Can we discipline employees for complaining about the company on social media?

Answer from Sarah, PHR, SHRM-CP: Probably not. Depending on what they said, and who responded to it, their speech may be protected under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. Section 7 protects concerted activity by employees that relates to the terms on...

Given COVID-19, if an employee is out of the office due to sickness, can we ask them about their symptoms?

Answer from Kara, JD, SPHR: Yes, but there’s a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. In most circumstances, employers shouldn’t ask about an employee’s symptoms, as that could be construed as a disability-related inquiry. Under the circumstances, however—and in...

SSN No-Match Letters: What to Do If You Receive One

In 1993, the Social Security Administration started issuing no-match letters to employers. However, in 2012, the SSA stopped sending no-match letters to employers, due to various litigation concerns. Quite recently, the agency resurrected the practice, distributing...