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Get out of town! Three companies offer innovative vacation benefits

06/29/2010

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, take a look at how three companies handle vacation time—from compressed schedules leading to more time off to luxury digs fit for a wealthy client. And don’t forget the overseas surgery!

Can we apply a use-it-or-lose-it clause to our company’s vacation policy?

06/18/2010

Q. Our company’s employee handbook states that workers receive two weeks of paid vacation a year. Some of our employees have accrued significant amounts of unused vacation over the years. Can we require those workers to use their accrued vacation by a certain date or forfeit it?

Make sure employees–and bosses and HR–know exactly how to call in FMLA absences

06/14/2010

Make sure your entire staff is on the same page when it comes to responding to FMLA requests. Decide on a contact person and set a policy that lets all employees know. Create a log for recording all incoming FMLA communications. Remember, certifications may come directly from medical providers, who are likely to use fax or mail delivery.

No STD documentation? OK to discipline–or fire

06/09/2010

If you offer short-term disability (STD) benefits for employees who can’t work because of illness, you probably insist on medical documentation. If the employee doesn’t provide that information within the reasonable timeline your STD plan requires, you can count the absence against the employee and terminate her.

Have a no-fault attendance policy? Beware the FMLA liability trap

06/08/2010

Lots of employers have no-fault attendance policies, which allow a certain number of unexcused absences without any documentation and then punish employees who go beyond allowable limits. No-fault policies are fine … as long as they don’t penalize workers for taking time off that’s protected under the FMLA.

Longer workday gives 2 weeks off for Solix employees

06/04/2010

About half of the 400 employees at the Parsippany, N.J., headquarters of outsourcing firm Solix don’t report for work for two weeks around the December holidays—but the other half do. Members of a work group that specializes in business processes for schools and libraries mirrors the schedule of its clients, which typically are closed for the holidays.

Beware! Even small penalty can be retaliation

06/02/2010

Employees who complain about discrimination are protected from retaliation—and even a small financial penalty against an employee may be enough to trigger a lawsuit. Remember: The test for retaliation is whether a hypothetical reasonable employee would be dissuaded from complaining in the first place if he or she knew the consequences.

The absent-minded employee: How to get absenteeism under control … legally

05/28/2010

The costs of employee absenteeism—reflected in lost production, overtime and temporary replacements for the absent worker—can add up quickly. The best way to combat the problem is with a clear policy, careful documentation, consistent application of the policy and progressive discipline.

What factors should I consider before firing a new employee for excessive absences?

05/26/2010

Q. We have a new administrative employee in our medical office who missed 22 days of work in her first nine weeks. She has doctor excuses for illnesses for most of the days, but my front office is a shambles. Can I put her on written warning for excessive absences? Can I terminate her?

Don’t rely on software alone to determine employee’s FMLA eligibility