Leave

Suspect medical excuse is bogus? Ask employee for a (real) doctor’s note

06/07/2011

Some people will do anything to get out of work early, including lying about their child’s health. One employer did the smart thing and demanded proof when it became suspicious.

Don’t interfere with overseas FMLA leave

05/27/2011

You may have an employee or two with relatives living in foreign lands. While it may not be an issue that comes up often, you should be prepared to handle requests for time off to care for sick relatives overseas. Don’t try to put unreasonable obstacles in the way.

Consider ADA issues once FMLA, personal leave expire

05/27/2011

Do you automatically terminate employees who can’t return to work after exhausting FMLA leave and personal leave? That could violate the ADA.

Are you ready for the EEOC’s enforcement crackdown?

05/11/2011

The EEOC received a record 99,922 charges in the 2010 fiscal year—the most the agency has received in its 45-year history. Given this sharp increase in charge activity, now is a good time to review your personnel policies and practices to make sure you’re taking appropriate steps to help prevent potential discrimination claims.

When does 50 not equal 50? FMLA coverage versus FMLA eligibility

05/06/2011

Most people think of 50 as the magic number for the FMLA. “Oh, we have 50 employees, so now we have to comply with the FMLA,” is a popular refrain among HR departments. It is not that simple. The FMLA has two different rules that must be met before you have to offer FMLA leave to an employee—coverage and eligibility, which both have the magic number 50 as a key component.

Disciplining? Consider employee’s FMLA status

05/06/2011

Employees who take FMLA leave may have a retaliation case if their employers discipline them differently than other employees and can’t explain why. That’s why you must be able to explain every discipline decision and differentiate between seemingly similar conduct.

Check your FMLA policy: Does it comply with new leave expansions?

05/04/2011

Congressional actions often grab the headlines, but recent executive branch moves have subtly expanded those who qualify for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Make it a point to regularly review your FMLA policy to ensure it is up-to-date and complies with the latest laws, court decisions and Department of Labor regulations and interpretations.

Is it legal to offer comp time?

04/28/2011

Q. Some of our full-time, salaried employees have to put in a lot of extra time for off-hours meetings and additional workload responsibilities. Is it legal to give these employees extra time off from work?

Baltimore salon styles benefits rare in industry

04/21/2011

At most hair salons, stylists are on their own when it comes to time off and health benefits. But the owners of Studio 921 Salon & Day Spa in Baltimore are different, offering one paid week of annual leave to employees who have worked a year, a 401(k) plan with a 3% match and group health insurance.

What’s the law on granting time off for workers who want to attend kids’ school activities?

04/20/2011

Q. Several of our employees have requested time off for their children’s end-of-year school events. What is our obligation to grant workers this time off?