HR Compliance Questions of the Week

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At-Will Employment Termination Risks

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HR Question:

We’ve got a team member who just isn’t working out. The problem is we haven’t taken all of the right steps in documenting the issues, but we’re an at-will employer – can’t we just terminate anyway? What are the risks of at-will employment termination?

HR Answer:

The term “Employment At-Will” is a familiar one for most employees and companies. So, what exactly does this term mean? Conceptually, it means either the employer or the employee is free to end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause. A majority of employers throughout the United States establish at-will relationships with their employees, either as the result of the law, existing policy, or a combination of both. However, does this mean it gives an employer the freedom from risk should they decide to terminate an employee on the basis of the at-will employment relationship? Not exactly.

At-Will Termination Risks

As a best practice, an employer should not completely rely on an employee’s at-will status to defend a termination decision. Even though good cause is not needed to end an at-will employment relationship, most employers typically have a valid reason for termination, such as continual poor performance.

Prior to terminating an employee under at-will circumstances, keep in mind that it’s not uncommon to receive a retaliation claim, a discrimination claim, or a similar action.

Additional justification is expected when putting an individual out of their job, whether it has to do with the person’s performance, violation of company policy, or another workplace issue entirely. Providing justification can reduce the time and resources related to managing a termination.

Protect Yourself with the Basics

It’s important to establish best practices on the front end, and consistently follow them to reduce your at-will termination risks. Ideally, no one should be surprised by a termination notice. Considering all of the dynamics that are usually in play when it comes to terminations, the best way to approach an at-will termination is to follow solidified HR practices from the beginning. As the age-old HR saying goes “document, document, document!”

Having clearly defined procedures, training, practices, and consistent follow-through allows an employer to navigate the waters of risk when it comes to at-will terminations.

If issues have not been documented, there are a few things to consider:

  • If progressive disciplinary action is listed in the employee handbook, it’s important to follow it consistently.
  • Before taking steps toward termination, consider the approach. Are these actions in line with the company’s culture? Are they representative of the company’s values?
  • It is okay (encouraged, even) for HR to press the “pause” button on the situation and require the necessary documentation before authorizing a termination.

Steps to Reduce Employer Liability and Risks

There are easily established processes and policies that can be implemented to reduce liability and risk throughout the employee’s life cycle. We recommend that employers:

  • Use disclaimers in the new-hire process (offer letters and new-hire orientation) and require signed acknowledgments.
  • Clearly outline employment expectations.
  • Implement a progressive discipline policy.
  • Adopt a grievance procedure.
  • Train supervisors on how to properly document disciplinary actions.
  • Include human resources in the disciplinary process.
  • Review situations carefully and seek legal guidance prior to making adverse employment decisions.

Culture and Morale Matter

It’s important to consider all of the issues that go along with terminating someone who is employed on an at-will basis. Parting ways with an employee, justified or not, can have an impact on your culture and morale. Handling terminations in a manner that is consistent, ethical, and shows dignity and respect for the individual involved plays a critical role in how your remaining employees view the company’s leadership.

There is always a risk in termination. It is always good practice to involve your attorney before pulling the final trigger to ensure support if a legal issue may arise.

Thank you to Julie Schroer, SHRM-CP, for contributing to this edition of our HR Question of the Week!

Let the HR experts at Strategic HR Business Advisors help you navigate the employment law minefield. Check out our Legal Compliance and Recordkeeping page to learn more, or contact us directly! 

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What Employers Should Know About Pregnancy Discrimination

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What Do I Do Now That I-9 Flexibilities Are Ending?

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HR Question:

In July 2023, the Department of US Citizenship and Immigration Services eliminated the Form I-9 flexibilities put into place due to COVID-19. Recently, I understand they are again allowing the remote review of I-9 documents. Is this accurate?

HR Answer:

Yes, you’re correct – the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that the temporary flexibilities for verifying documents for I-9 forms expired on July 31, 2023. Any remote team members hired during the COVID-19 pandemic (on or after March 20, 2020) whose I-9 documents were verified remotely, had to have their documents physically inspected. That verification was required to be completed by August 30, 2023.

While we all scrambled to update these documents, USCIS came out with additional guidance on July 25, 2023, that provided an alternative procedure for Form I-9. The Notice indicated that employers who meet the following four (4) requirements may choose an alternative procedure in lieu of physically examining Form I-9 documentation that had been examined remotely under the COVID-19 flexibilities.

To qualify for the alternative procedure, an employer must have:

  1. Performed remote examination of an employee’s documents between March 20, 2020, and July 31, 2023;
  2. Been enrolled in E-Verify at the time they completed the Form I-9 for that employee;
  3. Created a case in E-Verify for that employee (except for re-verification); and
  4. Be currently enrolled in and continue to participate in E-Verify.

Employers who do not meet all four requirements must perform an in-person physical examination of documents by August 30, 2023.

The USCIS provides details on the alternative procedure and examples of properly completed forms.

New Form and Additional Flexibilities

Although many HR professionals celebrated the alternative procedure that was provided, we had more to celebrate when the flexibility was extended. In August 2023, the USCIS allowed permanent remote examination of employees’ Form I-9 documents IF they are enrolled in the E-Verify program. For more guidance, refer to the detailed alternative procedure.

Finally, the department did issue a new I-9 form in August 2023. The form dated “10/19/2019” can continue to be used through October 31, 2023, but beginning November 1, 2023, only the new Form I-9 dated “08/01/2023” can be used.

What if an Employee Refuses?

If an employee is unwilling or unable to provide documentation for physical confirmation or remotely if you qualify, that employee is subject to termination. Employers cannot retain an employee who has not provided documentation for the I-9 form, including presenting their documents for physical inspection. Organizations that retain an employee who is not authorized to work in the United States, or who have not reviewed documentation in person, are subject to hefty fines by the USCIS.

Remember, I-9 forms should be kept in a separate file from the employee’s personnel file, and make sure you retain the updated I-9 forms. For additional information, be sure to check out USCIS’s FAQ for Employers.

Special thank you to Patti Dunham, MBA, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Director of HR Solutions and Sheryl Fleming, MA, SHRM-SCP, HR Business Advisor for contributing to this edition of our HR Question of the Week!

I-9 forms and other employment verification processes are important to get right – otherwise, you might be subject to costly fines and legal fees. Let our HR experts lend a hand! Learn more about how we can support your compliance efforts by visiting our HR Compliance and Recordkeeping page or by contacting us today.

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How To Follow ACA Reporting Requirements & Avoid Penalties

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How To Limit Liability At Your Company Party

HR Question:

We’re looking forward to hosting our company holiday party to celebrate our accomplishments this year. While we want this to be a fun celebration, we also want it to be responsible. How can we limit liability at the company party, especially if we’re considering serving alcohol?

HR Answer:

The holidays are here, and to many, that means it is time for holiday parties. While holiday events are a great time to bring your team together and increase engagement, there are potential employment law concerns to keep in mind as an employer. The following are things to consider to limit potential liability prior to hosting your event:

  • If it is truly a social event for your team, do not require attendance. Remind staff that attendance is not required but voluntary. This can limit liability with a potential harassment claim because the event is voluntary and not in the course and scope of employment.
  • To further support the non-work nature of the event, hold the event off-site and outside of regular business hours. You should also allow employees to bring a guest.
  • Set expectations around respectful behavior and encourage employees to drink responsibly. Remind employees that company policies, including harassment and other conduct policies, apply at the event.
  • Determine if alcohol will be offered. Company leaders will need to determine if the company holiday party is the right environment for alcohol. There are multiple factors to consider, including the age range of your workforce, how the timing of the party fits with employees’ work schedules, past history, and the location of the party. If you have employees under the age of 21, your company will need to assess how you will handle this potential liability. If you have employees attending the party before their shift, that is another issue you will need to address.

How to handle alcoholic beverages at the party

If you make the decision to provide alcoholic beverages, there are a number of considerations you should make to limit liability at your company party, including:

  • Provide food and non-alcoholic beverages at the event, both for safety reasons and so those who choose not to drink alcohol know you’ve given them consideration.
  • Offer a cash bar where employees purchase alcohol. This will reduce the likelihood of a claim that the employer provided alcohol directly to employees. It will also reduce consumption.
  • Provide employees with a set number of drink tickets so that each attendee is limited in the number of alcoholic drinks they will be served.
  • Plan for how employees who have been drinking will get home. This may involve providing taxis or public transit options at no cost to the employees, arranging for group transportation, or encouraging employees to designate a driver at the beginning of the event.
  • Even if you don’t plan to provide a taxi service, don’t think twice about calling and paying for one if an intoxicated employee has no way home other than driving themselves. To facilitate this, someone from management can be designated to stay until the end and maintain their own sobriety to ensure that everyone gets home safely.
  • Have a plan to ensure that no minors or visibly intoxicated attendees are served alcohol. If possible, hire professional servers (or hold the event at a staffed facility) who will, as part of their job, politely refuse to serve anyone whom they perceive has had enough to drink.

How to handle cannabis at the event

Consider the potential use of cannabis at the party. With the legalization of cannabis in many states, employers also need to be prepared to deal with this new potential concern at holiday events. Employees may believe it is appropriate to bring this state-legal drug (in some instances) to the party, but, marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

It may be appropriate to remind staff of your drug-free workplace policy (if applicable) which prohibits consumption in the workplace and at company-sponsored events. If you wish to avoid consumption at your party, clearly communicate the policy to employees ahead of the event. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers these additional suggestions regarding cannabis at holiday parties.

While these steps will not eliminate all the risks, they can help reduce liability and help your employees celebrate the year and their achievements safely and responsibly. For more suggestions on how to limit liability at your company party, SHRM provides these tips to reduce liability while celebrating the season.

Thank you to Patti Dunham, MBA, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Director of HR Solutions, and our HR Support Center for contributing to this HR Question of the Week.

It’s important to celebrate company success, but don’t throw caution to the wind in the process. Our Strategic HR Business Advisors are prepared to help you celebrate and protect your business and your employees. We can help you to reduce your potential liability by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance and Recordkeeping page to learn more about how we can help or contact us for immediate support. 

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How Can I Prevent Unethical Behavior On My Team?

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HR Question:

I’m a new supervisor. Now that I have oversight of my team, I know it’s my responsibility to keep an eye out for unethical behavior. But what does that behavior look like? How can I prevent unethical conduct on my team?

HR Answer:

Ethics in the workplace can be a broad and, at times, intangible concept. At its root, unethical business practices include any behavior that violates the law, such as theft or violence, but can also include areas that are broader and more nebulous. According to The HR Digest, the five most common examples of unethical behaviors are:

  • Employee theft. In 2012, one out of every forty employees was caught stealing from the workplace.
  • Misusing company time. This may include an employee who spends the entire morning placing orders on Cyber Monday or a co-worker who clocks in for an employee who shows up late.
  • Verbal abuse. This can include bullying co-workers or subordinates or harassing employees.
  • Lying in the workplace. An example could be a sales employee who tells customers that a defective product has a flawless reliability record.
  • Taking credit for someone else’s work. This could be an employee who takes credit for a co-worker’s idea for a process improvement and receives a bonus for a job well done.

Is Unethical Behavior Really That Common?

Studies suggest that unethical behavior is something that all managers must confront at some point in their careers. To illustrate this point, in HR Ethical Dilemmas by the Society for Human Resources Management, 30% of surveyed U.S. employees said they felt pressured to compromise their workplace’s ethics, a 14% increase from three years earlier. Almost half of those employees surveyed said they observed misconduct that violated their organization’s ethics standards.

The risks of unethical behavior in business can be devastating. For instance, bad corporate behavior can lead to the loss of valued employees and can discourage new recruits from applying. Employees want to work for a company that has values that align with their own personal values. They’re even willing to take a pay cut for it, as evidenced by MetLife’s recent study that found 89% of employees are willing to trade some of their salary (an average of a 21% pay cut) to work at a company whose values match their own.

But the impact isn’t just felt internally, as customers’ decisions can also be impacted by unethical behavior. According to Accenture’s Global Consumer Pulse Research, 62% of consumers consider a company’s ethical values and authenticity before making their purchasing decisions. Finally, unethical behavior can carry with it legal risk, resulting in fines, penalties, and even incarceration.

How Can a Company Prevent Unethical Behavior?

Companies can take steps to prevent unethical and unlawful behavior. This includes the following steps:

  • Establish a Code of Conduct. Business leaders, including HR, must establish clear statements that define a company’s values, principles, and conduct.
  • Train every employee on the company’s values, principles, and code of conduct. Training should be done in a way that helps each employee to see how their work and behavior support these principles.
  • Establish a means for reporting unethical behavior. One of the most effective ways of enabling employees to report workplace ethics violations is to establish a 24/7 hotline that allows employees to report concerns anonymously and without retaliation. Those staffing the hotline should be a third-party, or employees who are removed from operational management. Concerns should be reported directly and confidentially to a senior executive or, in some cases, to a designated Board member.
  • Include a question on business ethics in your employee engagement surveys. If employees respond less than favorably to this question, find out why through focus groups or department meetings.
  • Share your Code of Conduct with your clients and suppliers. Let them know the company will abide by the Code while working with them. Provide them with a means to share feedback on any concerns regarding business ethics while working with the company.

As a supervisor, it goes without saying that your team is likely to emulate the behavior that you model. Therefore, it is important that you uphold the company’s values and Code of Conduct in your own behavior and ensure that your team members receive the appropriate training and understand the ethical standards they are expected to maintain.

 

Special thanks to Terry Wilson, SHRM, SPHR-SCP for writing this edition of our HR Question of the Week!  

Have a new supervisor on your team? Put them on the road to success by signing them up for our Supervisor Training Series! Visit our Training and Development page to learn how we can help your management team to get off to the right start.

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Do Our Remote, Out-of-State Employees Qualify for FMLA?

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HR Question:

Our company has employees located in Ohio who all qualify for the protections covered under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), but we also have employees working remotely in other states. Do our remote, out-of-state employees qualify for our FMLA policy?

HR Answer:

Great question. Even if the employees don’t fall within the 75-mile radius that the FMLA takes into account when counting employees towards the requirements, employers are still required to provide FMLA benefits to their employees who work remotely and out-of-state.

Why Does FMLA Compliance Matter?

What happens if those same benefits aren’t extended properly? Well, a lack of FMLA compliance can result in impressive fines. For example, not completing the notice can cost several hundred dollars alone, not to mention the millions in fines that can result from a mishandled claim or wrongful termination, such as the situation this Massachusetts company found itself in.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, some companies were beginning to branch out of their home states and hire individuals with the necessary talent, but not necessarily the ideal location. Many of these organizations were pioneering the process, working through the requirements and laws as they could. Now that remote work has become such a staple in the business community, it’s easier for any organization to run into this issue, as it’s often the case that many remote employees may be the first or only employee in a particular state.

How to Determine if Remote Employees Qualify for FMLA

There have been no changes to what is defined as “covered employers” as defined by the Department of Labor (DOL), as a “covered employer may be a private-sector employer (with 50+ employees within a 75-mile radius in 20 or more workweeks in the current or previous calendar year), a public agency, or a school.” Employers that fall under this category are required to provide FMLA benefits and protections to eligible employees while also complying with additional responsibilities required under the FMLA.

An eligible employee is one who:

  1. Works for a covered employer,
  2. Has worked for the employer for at least 12 months as of the date the FMLA leave is to start,
  3. Has at least 1,250 hours of service for the employer during the 12-month period immediately before the date the FMLA leave is to start (a different hours of service requirement applies to airline flight crew employees), and
  4. Works at a location where the employer employs at least 50 employees within 75 miles of that worksite as of the date when the employee gives notice of the need for leave.

So why does this rule extend to those employees who fall outside of the 75-mile radius and the 50+ employee count? It’s because the DOL determines their FMLA status based on the office or location that delivers their assignments or that they report to. The purpose of this is to protect the employees’ jobs should they have the need to focus on their own or their family’s health.

If you assume that you don’t have to meet FMLA guidelines for a remote employee, be sure to double-check the Department of Labor’s regulations, as well as your own internal reporting system, before skipping this important requirement.

Special thanks to Alisa Fedders, MA, SPHR, and Samantha Kelly for contributing to this edition of our HR Question of the Week!

FMLA, ADA, and other labor laws can be difficult to understand – let alone enforce. That’s where Strategic HR has you covered. We bring years of experience and know-how to the table. We can assist you with your tough compliance issues and help you sleep more soundly at night. Visit our Legal Compliance & Recordkeeping page to learn more.

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The Top Five Handbook Policies to Include This Year

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HR Question:

We’re in the process of reviewing our handbook for the year and want to make sure that we’re including policies that reflect the talent we’re trying to attract. What are some of the top policies we need to include in our handbook?

HR Answer:

It’s important to review your handbook at least once a year to ensure that your policies are up to date, inclusive, and reflective of the environment in which your organization operates. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies found the need to update their handbook policies to reflect multiple changes that occurred in the nature of their work and surrounding landscape. Some of the top policies that organizations may need to include are:

  • Managing non-exempt time when remote
  • Managing overtime
  • Taking into account the impact of laws on where the employee works (i.e. payroll taxes, meals, breaks)
  • How to handle PTO with remote workers
  • Safety and workers’ compensation if injured while working remotely

Remote Work Policy

Through our Generations at Work Survey, we discovered that 56% of all respondents were looking for a hybrid work situation. In order to meet the needs and desires of potential candidates, this may be an opportunity to do a complete audit of your job descriptions to see which can be remote, partially remote, or if a schedule can be created to allow for a hybrid opportunity. As you create new roles, consider creating roles that can be done entirely remotely in order to open up your talent pool beyond your geographical region.

EEO Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies make it clear that you are an inclusive and welcoming workplace. These policies identify forms of discrimination, such as against a person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or genetic information, that the federal government will not tolerate. Most employers with 15 employees or more will be legally held to these requirements, so it’s important to ensure that your handbook reflects this legal requirement.

Handbooks may call these policies different things, but at the end of the day, these are essential policies to include to ensure an inclusive workplace. Beyond the legal obligation, ensuring that your organization promotes a positive work environment that doesn’t tolerate discrimination is important to weave into the fabric of your organizational culture. It is also a critical component in talent attraction and retention.

Anti-Harassment Policy

Similar to including an EEO policy, it’s important to include an anti-harassment policy to define and maintain a safe environment. Creating a work environment that is physically and emotionally safe for all employees goes beyond detailing what individuals should or should not do. Although it is important to identify unacceptable conduct and behaviors, it is also critical to provide employees with a clear and protected path to raising concerns about their safety or physical/emotional comfort.

Anti-harassment policies clearly outline the definition of harassment, the process for reporting incidents under this umbrella, and the steps that may be taken after reporting the incidents. Additionally, these policies should strictly prohibit any form of retaliation to ensure individuals feel protected and encouraged to bring concerns forward for the betterment of themselves and your workplace.

Employee Referral Policies

In a tight and candidate-driven market, employers are pursuing any and all avenues to find the talent they need to meet business objectives. One way to do so is by implementing an Employee Referral policy to encourage current employees to refer individuals who they think may be a fit for the organization. Utilizing employee referrals can be among the most successful strategies of recruiting culture-aligned, qualified, long-lasting talent for your organization. Referral fees can range from $500 to $30,000 (or more), depending on the industry, the level of the role, and the cost that the organization may expect to spend recruiting candidates through their recruiting team or an outsourced solution.

A successful policy will be sure to detail the referral fees, the process in which employees should refer candidates, and the timeline associated with any potential referral fees or retention bonuses.

Inclusive Policies for Women

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, women left the workforce in droves. As the economy and the workforce landscape continue to recover, women are slowly returning, although not at the rate at which they left.

Between the need for talent and the goal of an inclusive workplace, this is a key opportunity to review your handbook to ensure that there are inclusive policies built in to create a welcoming environment for all individuals, including women. Key policies to include in this case would be:

  • Flexible scheduling (which would be attractive to all candidates from all walks of life)
  • Lactation policies, such as the set up of a lactation room, privacy, duration of accommodations, and more
  • Maternity and/or paternity leave policies
  • Dependent care HSA funds to allow individuals to contribute funds toward daycare costs

For inspiration on how to structure the policy, consider reviewing the Kentucky Pregnant Worker’s Act for guidance.

Thank you to Mary Mitchell, MBA, SPHR, CHRS, and Samantha Kelly for contributing to this edition of our HR Question of the Week. 

As the workplace landscape continues to evolve, employee handbooks and policies must evolve with it. Strategic HR can help you update and revise your handbook to ensure that it is compliant and reflects the environment your organization operates within. To learn more, request a handbook consultation today.

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Can We Verify Form I-9 Documents Virtually for Remote Employees?

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HR Question:

As we continue to hire more employees to work remotely, can we use virtual methods to verify Form I-9 documents for our remote employees? If so, is the option for virtual I-9 verification going to end?

HR Answer:

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has extended its temporary policy allowing employers to inspect Form I-9 documents virtually through April 30, 2022.

How to Verify Form I-9 Documents Remotely

The policy to allow virtual verification was first issued in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has been extended 12 times – it is unknown at this time if this date will be extended again. Employees hired on or after April 1, 2021, working exclusively in a remote setting, are temporarily exempt from the physical inspection requirements associated with the Form I-9. Employers may examine documents remotely via e-mail, fax, video link, secure upload, etc., and complete the Form I-9 with appropriate annotations. Originally this only applied to companies that were completely operating remotely due to the pandemic. However, since April 2021, ICE stated that employers can use remote Form I-9 verification procedures for new hires working remotely, even if other employees are working onsite.

Starting May 1, Employers Cannot Accept Expired List B Documents

It is important to note that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ending the COVID-19 Temporary Policy for List B Identity Documents. Beginning May 1, employers will no longer be able to accept expired List B documents.

The temporary policy that is coming to an end was previously enacted by DHS in response to the difficulties many individuals experienced with renewing documents during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to DHS, “Now that document-issuing authorities have reopened and/or provided alternatives to in-person renewals, DHS will end this flexibility. Starting May 1, 2022, employers must only accept unexpired List B documents.”

If an employer is presented with an expired List B document between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022, they are required to update their Forms I-9 by July 31, 2022. See this table to ensure compliance with the updated requirements.

Have I-9 Completion Timelines Changed?

The normal timelines for I-9 completion remain in effect. Section 1 of the form must be completed by the employee’s start date, and Section 2 must be completed within three business days of the start date. Employers taking advantage of the relaxed procedures must provide written documentation of their remote onboarding and telework policy to each employee.

I-9 completion can be done with a paper form or by completing an online fillable Form I-9. You will still have to print the completed form for signatures and can then scan it for storage.

Since we don’t know yet when the temporary extension of virtual document inspection will end, another option is to consider sending information, along with the Form I-9, to new hires requiring them to present their original supporting documentation to a Designated Agent who will verify their identity and complete section 2. After this is completed, they can mail the original Form I-9 to HR.

Can Form I-9s be Stored Electronically?

You can complete and store your employees’ Form I-9s electronically. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you may maintain the forms either electronically or on paper as long as you follow the established requirements. To ensure that you are storing your Form I-9s properly and for the required duration of time, see our article about electronic storage of I-9s.

Thank you to Alisa Fedders, MA, SPHR, Senior HR Advisor for contributing to this edition of the HR Question of the week.

strategic HR inc. knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when regulations continue to change. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance and Recordkeeping page to learn more about how we can help or contact us for immediate support. 

 

 

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Who Has to Submit OSHA Form 300A?

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HR Question:

I heard that the OSHA Form 300A has to be posted by February 1. Who has to submit this form?

HR Answer:

Employers that had 11 or more employees at any point in 2021 are required to post Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Form 300A from February 1 through April 30 unless they qualify as an exempt low-risk industry. A full list of exempt low-risk industries, ordered by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, can be found here.

The employee count is based on the number of employees in the entire company, not per establishment. If the company is subject to routine recordkeeping requirements, records must be maintained for each physical establishment.

All covered employers are required to post Form 300A even if they didn’t have any recordable incidents in 2021. (Recordable incidents are required to be maintained on the OSHA 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.) OSHA Form 300A must be certified by a company executive and posted in a conspicuous location where notices to employees are customarily posted. Here is the OSHA Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (Form 300), Summary (Form 300A), and Instructions.

If your workplace is currently closed because of COVID-19, and you are unable to post the log there, we recommend posting it on your company intranet page, virtual bulletin board, or other location online where it can be easily seen and accessed by employees. If you return to the workplace before April 30, you should also physically post it at that time.

Form 300A Electronic Submission Required for Certain Employers by March 2

Employers must submit their 2021 Form 300A data to OSHA if they have 250 or more employees or have 20–249 employees and are in certain high-risk industries. Employers must use OSHA’s online Injury Tracking Application (ITA). The deadline to submit the report is March 2, 2022.

The electronic reporting requirements are based on the size of the establishment (how many employees are at the physical location), not how many employees are in the entire company.

Employers that are required to send their Form 300A to OSHA must submit injury and illness data using the ITA online portal. This also applies to employers that are covered by a State Plan that has not yet adopted its own state rule.

Employers that meet any of the following criteria DO NOT have to send their information to OSHA:

  • Employers that are exempt from OSHA’s routine recordkeeping requirements, as mentioned above.
  • Employers that never had 20 or more employees during the previous calendar year, regardless of industry.
  • Employers that had between 20 and 249 employees at some point during the previous calendar year but are NOT on this list of high-risk industries.

Additional information, FAQs, and the Injury Tracking Application can be found on OSHA’s site, here.

Thank you to the HR Support Center for providing the content for this Question of the Week. The Virtual HR Support Center is a do-it-yourself, always ready, at-your-fingertips resource for everything Human Resources. Contact us to learn how the Virtual HR Support Center can put all the DIY HR tools you need at your fingertips.

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What Employers Need to Know About Vaccination Surcharges and Mandates

HR Question:

Our company is weighing our options between implementing COVID-19 vaccination incentives, surcharges, or a mandate. What employment laws do we need to consider in our decision-making process?

HR Answer:

As you can imagine, Delta Airlines’ announcement of a vaccination surcharge and President Biden’s hint that mandatory vaccination rules may be forthcoming are generating a lot of questions. As such employers are evaluating the pros and cons of vaccination programs. Employment considerations are beyond the scope of this blog post, but the design of the vaccination program will ultimately determine what laws apply from a benefits industry perspective. Some decision points that impact the laws that apply include:

  • Will the incentive be tied to the group health plan or premium in any way?
  • Will vaccines be provided by the employer or an organization hired by the employer?
  • Will vaccination status simply be reported by the employee?

These decision points dictate the compliance considerations and laws that will apply to the incentive program. The laws that may apply include HIPAA, ACA, ADA, and others. The following is an overview of some of the considerations under each of these laws.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

If the incentive provided by the employer is tied to the group health plan, the plan must comply with HIPAA nondiscrimination rules. The HIPAA rules define wellness programs as either participatory or health-contingent activity-based or health-contingent outcomes-based.

  • Participatory programs do not require individuals to meet a health-related standard to receive the reward and incentives under participatory programs are unlimited.
  • Health-contingent programs require individuals to meet a health-related standard to receive the reward.

While there is some debate whether vaccination status is participatory or health-related, many attorneys are advising employers to treat a vaccination reward or surcharge as a health-contingent activity wellness program because vaccination may not be recommended for certain individuals due to underlying health concerns.

The HIPAA rules require that a health-contingent activity-based program must:

  • Be reasonably designed to promote health and prevent disease;
  • Be made available to all similarly situated individuals, which includes providing a reasonable alternative or waiver to any individual for whom it is medically inadvisable or unreasonably difficult to receive the vaccine;
  • Provide an opportunity to qualify for the reward at least once per year;
  • Limit any incentives under the terms of the wellness program to no more than 30% of the cost of coverage (based on single rate if only employees may participate or family rate if dependents may participate); and
  • Disclose the availability of a reasonable alternative standard for anyone for whom it is medically inadvisable to receive the vaccine

Any vaccination incentive must be combined with any other wellness incentive given for a participant meeting a health-contingent factor when determining if the 30% limit is satisfied (unless the other incentive relates solely to non-use of tobacco). Additionally, employers may be required to provide religious accommodation under the terms of the wellness program for those individuals with closely held religious beliefs.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Affordability

Another watch out for employers when incentives are tied to the group health plan is affordability under the ACA’s shared responsibility provisions (applicable to employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees). Employers must make an affordable offer of coverage or risk a penalty if an employee enrolls in marketplace coverage and receives assistance. Offers of coverage are considered affordable if they are less than 9.83% of household income in 2021 (decreased to 9.61% for 2022). When calculating whether or not an offer of coverage is affordable (including under any of the three safe harbors), the employer must assume that all participants fail to meet the health standard (in this case vaccination) and must pay the higher premium.

There is one exception with regard to tobacco use. Employers may assume that employees are non-tobacco users when determining affordability. In this case, employers may determine affordability based on the non-vaccinated (or non-wellness)/non-tobacco user rate.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA applies to employer wellness programs when the program makes a disability-related inquiry or medical exam. If the employer, or third-party on behalf of the employer, requests medical information as a screening before providing the vaccine, the plan must comply with the terms of the ADA and should consult employment counsel.

For employers who intend to simply verify vaccination status, EEOC guidance indicates that vaccination status alone is not considered a disability-related inquiry. Therefore, vaccination status alone will not trigger an employer needing to comply with the EEOC wellness plan rules.

Complicating Factors

Beyond the direct compliance requirements posed under vaccination programs, there are also administrative challenges:

  • What is considered a reasonable accommodation under the ADA or a reasonable alternative standard under HIPAA for individuals who require an exemption from vaccination?
  • How will employers accommodate employees that have valid religious objections to receiving the vaccination?
  • What will employers accept as proof of vaccination? Vaccine cards are given to those that have received the vaccine; however, there are reports of fraudulent vaccine cards.
  • Employers that offer a one-time bonus or gift cards should remember that these incentives are taxable income.

Conclusion

Employers have many issues to consider when it comes to offering incentives/penalties to encourage vaccination. This is a new dilemma employers are facing as they consider return to work plans and the safety and health of their employees. President Biden’s announcement that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is working on guidance that may require certain employers to mandate vaccines could complicate the issue further. Time will tell and we need to wait and see whether and when OSHA issues guidance requiring mandatory vaccination. Employers should consider engaging legal counsel in the discussion and design of any vaccination program to have a clear understanding of compliance and potential risks from both an employment and benefits perspective.

The information contained in this document is informational only and is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, legal or accounting advice. Neither HORAN nor its consultants provide legal, tax nor accounting advice of any kind. We make no legal representation, nor do we take legal responsibility of any kind regarding regulatory compliance. Please consult your counsel for a definitive interpretation of current statute and regulation and their impact on you and your organization. 

Special thank you to Shelly Hodges-Konys, Director of Compliance with HORAN for contributing to this edition of our HR Question of the Week.

If you’re overwhelmed with trying to stay on top of ever-changing HR compliance rules and regulations, Strategic HR is here to help! Our senior HR consultants can help you to identify and understand relevant regulations, assess the impact on your company, and advise you on the appropriate times to seek legal counsel. Learn more about our HR Compliance & Recordkeeping services, or contact us today.

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Can I Ask if My Employees Are Vaccinated?

Can we ask if our employees are vaccinated? Isn’t this a HIPAA violation or an illegal inquiry under the ADA or somehow confidential information?

Employers can ask for proof of vaccination unless there is a state or local law or order to the contrary.*

When an employer is requesting or reviewing medical information in its capacity as an employer, as it would be when asking about an employee’s vaccination status, it is considered to be an employment record. In such cases, HIPAA would not apply to the employer. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will govern the collection and storage of this information.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces the ADA, has stated that asking about vaccination is not a disability-related inquiry, though it could turn into one if you ask follow-up questions about why the employee is not vaccinated. Asking a yes or no question, or requesting to see the employee’s vaccination card, does not violate any federal laws or require proof that the inquiry is job-related.

Finally, just because employees think that something is or should be private or confidential doesn’t mean they can’t be required to share it with their employer. Social Security numbers, birth dates, and home addresses are all pieces of information an employee may not want to advertise, but sharing is necessary and required for work. Vaccination status is similar. However, all of this information, once gathered, should not be shared by the employer with third parties, except on a need-to-know basis.

*It appears that some governors may attempt to prevent certain entities from requiring “immunity passports” (e.g., proof of vaccination) through an executive order (EO), though as of July 31, none of the EOs already issued appear to apply to private businesses and their employees. Also note that if there is a law in place that prevents treating vaccinated and unvaccinated employees differently (like in Montana), you may be able to ask, but not take any action based on the response.

Should we keep a record of who is vaccinated or make copies of vaccination cards? If we do, how long should we keep that information?

If you’re asking about vaccination status, you’ll want to keep some kind of record (so you don’t have to ask multiple times), but how you do this is up to you, unless state or local law has imposed specific recordkeeping requirements. You may want to keep something simple like a spreadsheet with the employee’s name and a simple “yes” or “no” in the vaccination column. If you’d prefer to make a copy of their vaccination card, that should be kept with other employee medical information, separate from their personnel file. Per OSHA, these records should be kept for 30 years.

If we keep a record of who is vaccinated, can we share it with managers who will be required to enforce policies based on that information, such as masking and social distancing?

Yes. We recommend not sharing this information any more widely than necessary. While anonymized information is okay to share (e.g., “80% of our employees are vaccinated”), each employee’s vaccination status should be treated as confidential, even if the fact that they are wearing a mask to work seems to reveal their status publicly. Obviously, managers will need this information if they are expected to enforce vaccination-dependent policies, and employers should train them on how they should be enforcing the policies and how and when to escalate issues to HR or a higher level of management.

Special thanks to the HR Support Center for providing this edition of our HR Question of the Week. 

For further COVID-19-related resources, check out our COVID-19 Employer Resources page or contact us for direct assistance. 

This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.  Information and content presented herein is for general informational purposes only and readers are strongly encouraged to contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any legal matter.  Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation or legal jurisdiction.

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What is the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)?

HR Question:

What is the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) and how can I take advantage of this program?

HR Answer:

As an incentive to employers of all sizes to keep employees on payroll, the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) was created to help employers navigate the unprecedented impact of COVID-19.  The ERTC is a refundable tax credit formed within the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), and further extended/expanded under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Originally, to be eligible for the credit as of March 2020, an employer must actively carry on a trade or business during the calendar year 2020 and meet either of the following:

  1. Full/Partial Suspension Test: If an eligible employer experiences a calendar quarter in which trade or business is fully or partially suspended due to an order of government authority restricting commerce, travel or group meetings (this includes but is not limited to commercial, social and religious purposes) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Gross Receipts Test: If an eligible employer experiences a significant decrease in gross receipts (AKA revenue) resulting in more than a 50% drop when compared to the same quarter in the previous year. (Until gross receipts exceed 80% of gross receipts in the prior quarter).

Originally, the credit was worth 50% of “qualified wages” – including health care benefits – up to $10,000 per eligible employee from March 13, 2020 – December 31, 2020. In other words, the maximum benefit for 2020 resulted in credit of up to $5,000 per employee.  Companies can STILL do this today.

CAA Changes

In December 2020, Congress revised the provision resulting in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), extending the credit for eligible employers that continue to pay wages during COVID-19 closures or recorded reduced revenue through June 30, 2021. The CCA also:

  • Increased the amount of the credit to 70% of qualified wages, beginning January 1, 2021, and raised the limit on per-employee qualified wages from $10,000 per year to $10,000 per quarter. In other words, you can obtain a credit as high as $7,000 per quarter per employee.
  • Expanded eligibility by reducing the requisite year-over-year gross receipt reduction from 50% to only 20%. And it raised the threshold for determining whether a business is a “large employer” — and therefore subject to a stricter standard when computing the qualified wage base — from 100 to 500 employees.
  • Provided that employers who receive PPP loans still qualify for the ERTC for qualified wages not paid with forgiven PPP funds. (This provides an incentive for PPP borrowers to maximize the nonpayroll costs for which they claim loan forgiveness.)

ARPA Changes

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was created to increase the speed of recovery to the economic and health struggles faced by COVID-19. The new law extended the ERTC through the end of 2021 and expands the pool of employers who can take advantage of the credit by including so-called “recovery startup businesses.” A recovery startup business generally is an employer that:

  • Began operating after February 15, 2020, and
  • Has average annual gross receipts of less than or equal to $1 million.

While these employers can claim the credit without suspended operations or reduced receipts, it’s limited to $50,000 total per quarter.

The ARPA also targets extra relief at “severely financially distressed employers,” meaning those with less than 10% of gross receipts for 2021 when compared to the same period in 2019. Such employers can count as qualified wages any wages paid to an employee during any calendar quarter — regardless of employer size. Otherwise, the ARPA continues to distinguish between large employers and small employers for purposes of determining qualified wages.

Note that the ARPA extends the statute of limitations for the IRS to evaluate ERC claims. The IRS will have five years, as opposed to the typical three years, from the date the original return for the calendar quarter for which the credit is computed is deemed filed.

Additional IRS Guidance

Prior to the passage of the ARPA, the IRS issued additional guidance on the ERTC that helps determine whether operations were partially suspended because of a COVID-19 related government order.

The IRS has previously stated that “more than a nominal portion” of operations had to be suspended, meaning:

  • Gross receipts from the suspended operations are 10% or more of total gross receipts,
  • Hours of service performed by employees in the suspended operations are 10% or more of total hours of service, or
  • Modifications to operations result in a reduction of 10% or more of the employer’s ability to provide goods or services.

How can my company claim the ERTC?

The ERTC is a payroll tax credit to be reported on Form 941 and may be up to a total of $33,000 per employee for 2020/2021 depending on facts. Any eligible employer can claim ERTC in either/both 2020 and 2021. Special care should be taken when calculating and claiming the credit, especially if the business also received a PPP loan, or other government funding since COVID-19, as IRS rules required an analysis to avoid any “double-dipping.”

Every business is unique and the amount of your ERTC will vary depending on the time period, number of employees, and other factors. To effectively position your business with the benefits of the ERTC, it is encouraged to partner with a tax consultant who knows your industry and the tax laws. To have a discussion about the potential of ERTC during calendar years 2020 and 2021, reach out to Clark Schaefer Hackett consultant Phil Hurak (pshurak@cshco.com) today.

Special thanks to Phil Hurak for writing this edition of our HR Question of the Week!

For additional information regarding the ERTC, please visit the CSH COVID Resource Center containing articles on ERTC, PPP, FFCRA, and other benefits potentially available to your business.

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance page to learn about our auditing services which can help you identify trouble spots in your HR function.

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Are Employee Gift Cards Considered Taxable Benefits?

HR Question:

To thank my employees for their extra efforts, I have provided them with a $50 gift card.  Accounting is telling me I have to report the value of the gift cards as taxable benefits.  Is that true?

HR Answer:

Yes, it’s true! According to the IRS, cash, gift certificates, and gift cards are considered taxable fringe benefits and must be reported as wages. But you may be relieved to know that this rule doesn’t apply to all gifts or perks that you may give to employees.

The IRS tells us that we can exclude the value of a “de minimis” benefit from an employee’s wages.  For those unfamiliar with a “de minimis” benefit, the IRS defines it as “any property or service you provide to an employee that has so little value (taking into account how frequently you provide similar benefits to your employees) that accounting for it would be unreasonable or administratively impracticable.” Most employers tend to categorize de minimis gifts in the under $50 range, but for some, it can go upward of $100.

In comparison to cash or cash equivalents which are always considered taxable benefits, small gifts have much more flexibility when it comes to tax responsibilities according to the IRS. But how organizations denote “small” is still up for negotiation. When deciding on a gift or fringe benefit for an employee, consider the value and the frequency of the gift or benefit. For example, purchasing a book for an employee for their birthday would be excluded. Purchasing a book every month for an employee would not be excluded due to the frequency of the gift, regardless of the value of the book.

Additional Examples of Tax-Exempt Benefits

Other examples of de minimis benefits include such things as some meals, occasional parties, occasional tickets for events (not season tickets), holiday or birthday gifts (other than cash or cash equivalents). Essentially, occasional gifts that can’t be redeemed for cash value can be considered as these exempted benefits.

There is also an exemption for achievement awards, which come with additional rules of their own. Examples of these gifts include gifts for achievements such as safety milestones or length of service or anniversary milestones. Certain achievement awards can be excluded from the employee’s wages if the awards are tangible personal property and meet certain requirements. Notable exceptions from The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act prohibit certain property as an employee achievement award, including vacations, lodging, stocks, bonds, and securities. Limitations are further detailed in the Act, including $400 maximum for non-plan awards and up to $1600 if you have a documented, non-discriminatory program surrounding the awards.

Additional requirements exist for these achievement awards. For example, length-of-service awards can’t be received during the employee’s first five years of employment or more often than every five years. Also, safety awards can’t be given to more than 10 percent of eligible employees during the same year.

Employee awards are an important part of employee engagement.  It is important, however, to make sure you don’t turn that $100 thank you gift card into a much more expensive “gift” by assuring you are properly handling the taxes accompanying such a gift.

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance Services to learn more.

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New Year, New COVID Questions: Mandate the Vaccine? Extend Paid Leave?

HR Question:

Although I was hoping to leave the challenges of 2020 behind, I’m finding that they’re seeping into 2021 – along with new challenges. Now, I’m faced with new COVID questions to confront: mandate COVID vaccines … or not? Extend Paid Sick Leave and EFMLA … or not? How do I make the best decisions here?

HR Answer:

Unfortunately, COVID is still with us, but hope is on the horizon with the vaccine. Employers across the country (and the world) are struggling with the same COVID questions you are about whether or not to mandate that all employees get vaccinated. The EEOC has made it clear that employers CAN require that employees get the COVID vaccine (in most cases).  However, the question becomes whether employers SHOULD require it. There is no perfect answer, so we’ll default to the typical lawyer answer: “It depends.”

Companies need to consider whether mandating vaccination is necessary. Because each business is different, there is no universal litmus test for employers.

Here are some common factors that employers should consider:

  • In what industry is your company? (Healthcare is different than construction.)
  • What are other similar businesses doing? (We’re all in this together.)
  • Are your employees designated to an early phase/group for vaccine eligibility?
  • If not, when could you reasonably expect the vaccine to be readily available? (There’s no need to create a stir now if your employee population consists primarily of healthy people in their twenties and thirties who will be toward the end of the eligibility list.)
  • If there is continued exposure, how will that harm your business?
  • How will your employees react?
  • What will the consequence be for employees who refuse to get vaccinated?
  • Who is going to be the “Vaccine Police” and track everything? (“1, 2, 3 … Not IT!”)

 

It’s okay to take a “wait and see” approach

These are not easy questions. Keep in mind that the law requires employers to make accommodations for individuals with disabilities and religious concerns. Also important: there is no prize for being the first to mandate vaccination. At this point, many businesses are encouraging employees to get vaccinated, but taking a “wait and see” approach when it comes to mandating. Part of the “encouraging” process includes educating employees about the benefits of vaccination. This includes reminding them that the company will not be providing paid leave if they are off for COVID purposes. If your employees are already on board with vaccination, there is no reason to take a heavy-handed approach.

Should you extend Paid Sick Leave and EFMLA?

The other COVID questions keeping HR professionals awake at night is what to do about extending Paid Sick Leave and Emergency FMLA. Congress and the President gave companies the option to continue providing these leaves to employees and receive tax credits through March 31, 2021. Many of our clients are continuing the leaves. Some are not.

Here are factors to consider:

  • How has leave usage impacted staffing and customer service?
  • Have employees been using the leave properly or abusing the leave?
  • Is it a hardship on the company or other employees to continue providing leave?
  • What is the impact on employees who legitimately need the leave?
  • How will the decision impact employee morale?
  • How many employees are currently on leave?
  • Is the employer a public or private entity?

 

Communication is key

Regardless of your decision, communication is key. It is critical for employers to communicate the decision to end or extend benefits so that employees are aware of their options. The decision should be company-wide so there is no favoritism of one employee versus another.

As usual, things with COVID continue to evolve. Good ideas a few months ago may be bad ideas today, so make sure to keep up to date. I know we’re all tired of hearing about these “unprecedented times,” but nonetheless, we will carry on. Deep breaths. Smile. 2021 is going to be better. Bring. It. ON!

Special thanks to attorney Lee Geiger from Graydon for contributing to this issue of our HR Question of the Week! As a valuable partner to Strategic HR, we appreciate both his legal expertise and wit.

Whatever HR challenge your business may be facing, Strategic HR can help! Whether it’s by developing a comprehensive strategic business plan through our HR Strategy services or helping you navigate COVID-19 HR strategy issues, our team of experienced consultants is waiting to partner with you. 

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Do We Have to Provide Employees Time Off to Vote?

HR Question:

We received a request from an employee for time off to vote. My state doesn’t require voting leave, but this employee works in a different state, and we have employees located across the country. What do I need to do here?

HR Answer:

If an employee of yours works in a state with a voting leave law, you will need to comply with that law. Most states require that employers provide at least a few hours of employee time off to vote, and many of those states require some or all of that time to be paid. In New York, for example, all registered voters are allowed to take off as much time as is necessary to enable them to vote and are entitled to be paid for up to three of those hours. You’ll also want to check any applicable voting leave laws for notice requirements and for specifications on when during an employee’s shift the time off should be given. You can find all this information on the HR Support Center by entering “voting leave” in the search bar. Workplace Fairness also has an online interactive tool to allow you to look up voting laws by state.

To keep things simple and fair, you might consider implementing a single company policy that meets or exceeds all applicable state requirements. That way there’s no confusion about what your policy is, employees in states without leave requirements won’t feel like they’re being excluded, and everyone in your company will have the opportunity to vote. Some employers even go the extra mile by cancelling all meetings on election day or making that day a paid holiday.

Thank you to our HR Support Center for providing the response to this edition of our HR Question of the Week.

Do you wish your HR Handbook and Job Descriptions would write themselves? Would you like to have 24/7 access to HR forms, checklists, and templates so you don’t have to “recreate the wheel”?  Check out our Virtual HR Solutions to see how we can make “going it alone” not so ALONE! In addition to comprehensive online HR resources & tools, you can also have unlimited access to HR professionals via phone/email/chat.

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Can I Store My I-9 Forms Electronically?

HR Question:

I have heard of other employers storing all of their I-9’s electronically, rather than in paper form. Is that acceptable? Is there anything I need to know before moving to store my I-9 Forms electronically?

HR Answer:

Yes, many employers are moving to the electronic completion and storage of their employees’ I-9 Forms. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you may maintain the forms either electronically or on paper, with a few requirements to keep in mind.

Storing Form I-9s Electronically

If you are storing them offsite, you must be able to produce the documents within 3 days of the request from an auditor. If you decide to maintain your records electronically, you have the option of using an online payroll provider which should allow the employees to complete the form online and store it. Alternatively, you can have employees complete the hard copy paper form and then scan and upload the original signed form. Either option is an acceptable alternative for electronic storage. The paper form can then be destroyed once it has been properly stored electronically.

How to Manage I-9 Verification Documents

Regarding the documents that are provided as “proof” for the I-9, employers are not required to create or attach photocopies of documentation submitted to satisfy the Form I-9 requirements during the employment eligibility verification process, but the practice is permissible.  If you choose to make photocopies of the documents, make sure that you do it for ALL employees to avoid any potential claims of discrimination.

Requirements of Electronic Storage Systems

If you are using an electronic system, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) require you to make sure the system you are using can meet the following requirements:

  • It has controls that ensure the system’s integrity, accuracy, and reliability;
  • It has controls that can prevent and detect the unauthorized or accidental creation of, addition to, alteration of, deletion of, or deterioration of an electronically completed or stored Form I-9, including the electronic signature if used;
  • You have an inspection and quality assurance program in place that regularly evaluates the system and includes periodic checks of electronically stored Form I-9’s, including the electronic signature if used;
  • You have an indexing system that allows users to identify and retrieve records maintained in the system; and
  • The system has the ability to reproduce legible and readable paper copies.

In addition, you are required to document the process and procedures used for collecting and maintaining the documents. You can find additional details on the requirements for storing I-9’s electronically on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Finally, keep in mind that you must have a secure IT system in place. The system should be able to audit who accessed the files and/or edited them, as well as ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the records. You must also have a system in place that ensures the information is securely backed up in the event of a system crash.

How Long You Are Required to Store I-9s

An employer must keep the original Form I-9 for all current employees for as long as they are employed. After an employee terminates employment, the original Form I-9 must be on file for EITHER: three (3) years after the date of hire or one (1) year after employment is terminated – whichever is later. For example:

Scenario A: If an employee is terminated after only 6 weeks on the job, their Form I-9 must be kept for three years after the hire date.

Scenario B: If an employee terminates after 5 years of employment, their Form I-9 must be kept for one year after the date of termination.

Here’s an easy way to calculate the date of Form I-9 retention:

  • If an employee worked fewer than three years (Like scenario A above): Add 3 years to the date of hire
  • If an employee worked more than three years (Like scenario B above): Add 1 year to the date of termination
  • Following the above calculations, use the later of the two dates as the retention date.

Ensuring Storage Safeguards

Storing your I-9’s electronically can be a wonderful solution for these documents – just be sure you have a process in place with the appropriate safeguards and systems. The USCIS warns us that if the records cannot be retrieved during an audit, even if there is proof of a system crash, you will be in violation.

Thanks to Patti Dunham, MBA, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for contributing this edition of our HR Question of the Week!

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance and Recordkeeping page to learn about our auditing services which can help you identify trouble spots in your HR function.

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What Should I Consider Before Doing a Reduction in Force?

HR Question:

I may need to restructure my workforce as a result of the downturn in business activity. What should I consider from a fairness and legal standpoint?

HR Answer:

Determining the need for a Reduction in Force (RIF) is a challenging decision to make, but it is sometimes necessary to keep the business running in a positive way. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the definition of a RIF “occurs when changing priorities, budgetary constraints, or other business conditions require a company to abolish positions.”

Before moving forward with a RIF, we recommend that you thoroughly consider all of your options. Some states offer assistance to employers that may help them avert layoffs or receive early intervention to help the workforce impacted by a RIF. For example, Ohio Job and Family Services’ Office of Workforce Development offers a Rapid Response (RR) program that is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. Services may include customized workshops, training, up-skilling, retooling, certifications or skill matching.

If you determine that your organization needs to move forward with a reduction in force, you should use a carefully planned approach. You will need to be aware of and adhere to state and federal regulations to ensure compliance throughout your process. This will help to protect your organization against employment litigation. It is also important to train your management staff on what they can and cannot do in the RIF process. This is a time to go back to the basics when it comes to managing your human resources and protecting your business.

8 Recommended Steps to Follow When Considering a Reduction in Force

1. Select the Employees for the Layoff

It’s important to determine an objective criteria process for your selection process. Consider factors such as criticality of the position to the business, seniority, performance review scores and any corrective action documents that may have been issued. This is the time that accurate and timely employee documentation throughout the year is important as it will play a big part in your selection process.

You will need to remind managers of the importance of using objective criteria in the selection process and not to make decisions based on who they like or dislike. You may also consider having a “no backfill for one year” rule to ensure the RIF is truly necessary and not a way for managers to “clean house.”

Once you have an initial list of employees to be laid off, you should apply steps 2 – 5 below to ensure that you are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

2. Avoid Adverse / Disparate Impact

According to SHRM, adverse or disparate impact refers to “employment practices that appear neutral but have a discriminatory effect on a protected group. Adverse impact may occur in hiring, promotion, training and development, transfer, layoff, and even performance appraisals.” For help in understanding and navigating this, check out SHRM’s toolkit to avoid adverse impact in employment practices.

3. Review Federal and State WARN Regulations

If an organization is contemplating a RIF or a layoff, there are several factors to take into consideration such as reviewing state and federal statutes, including the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN). WARN offers protection to workers and even communities by requiring employers to provide a 60-day notice in advance of a plant closing or what they deem as a mass layoff.  This Act is only applicable to employers with 100 or more employees.

4. Review ADEA and OWBPA Regulations

You will need to comply with two federal regulations that offer protections based on age: ADEA and OWBPA.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), protects employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or terms, conditions or privileges of employment.

The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) is an Act that amends the ADEA to clarify the protections given to older individuals in regard to employee benefit plans, and for other purposes.

5. Determine Severance Packages, Benefits Coverage, and Additional Services (if any)

As you develop severance packages, benefits coverage, and any other services that you will offer, you should review the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to ensure compliance. ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established retirement and health plans in private industry to provide protection for individuals in these plans.

6. Train Supervisors and Managers

These individuals are your first-line of defense (and many times your biggest legal threat) when it comes to employees’ perception of company policies, procedures, and decisions. Although human resources would always like to be the ones to address employee concerns, your front-line managers and supervisors are doing it on a daily basis whether they want to be or not. They should be properly trained on how to handle employee concerns.

Some suggestions for supervisor/manager training include:

  • Basic Discrimination Laws: Be sure supervisors and managers are aware of basic discrimination laws. Assist them with increased communication and employee relation skills so they are able to respectfully support company decisions and communicate with employees regarding their concerns or issues.
  • Staying Compliant and Consistent: Ensure managers and supervisors are clearly aware of what they can and cannot do from a legal perspective. Those involved in the employment process should know and document the process used when restructuring or selecting employees for layoff, and then use it – consistently. A clear legally defendable (non-discriminatory) reason when selecting those who will be let go is the most important aspect of restructuring. In addition, managers and supervisors should be guided by human resources to ensure an appropriate message is being delivered when HR isn’t delivering it.
  • How to Maintain Good Documentation:We all know that documentation is essential for a good legal defense, but also remember it can hurt as well. Train your staff on what good documentation looks like and what to avoid. Remind them that everything is subject to review in a lawsuit – employee warnings, performance evaluations, and even those simple notes we write down on a sticky note and throw in their file. Be aware of what you are putting down into writing and make sure it is objective and defendable.

7. Prepare for Reduction in Force Meetings

As you prepare for your layoff meetings, have a clear plan of what is going to be communicated, who is responsible for communicating the message, and how the message will be delivered both to those who are being directly impacted and those who will remain. It can be helpful to think through your anticipated frequently asked questions and prepare answers prior to your meetings.

8. Inform Your Workforce of the Layoffs

As you deliver the news of your reduction in force, remember that the golden rule still stands in employment – treat your employees the way you would like to be treated. Think about how you would prefer to be treated during these tough times when decisions are so difficult. Treat your employees with dignity and respect at all times. Provide notice of the layoff if it is reasonable, and provide some type of outplacement if you are able.

Be sure to listen to your employees as well. Employees are more likely to file a claim against employers when they feel like they are ignored or that their concerns are not addressed. Although your message may not always be what they want to hear – allow them to be heard and feel a part of the process.

Remember also, the RIF not only effects the person being released from his/her job, but also the remaining employees. There can be an emotional toll on those who remain, in addition to the impact it may have on their job duties as well. Be prepared to provide the resources and tools necessary to help your staff to stay engaged and do well through this difficult time of transition.

How to Handle Changes  to Job Responsibilities

Moving forward, your next consideration is to have a plan about who will absorb each exited person’s job tasks. You should determine if this situation requires a long term solution or if you foresee returning to the prior structure again when the budget allows. Job descriptions for those positions affected by the lay-off will need to be reviewed to reflect changes to the responsibilities and functions of the position. Sometimes you may find the change has actually improved the position making it more efficient.

You may also want to consider a salary review for the positions affected. Since some individuals are now performing the functions of multiple positions, is a pay increase warranted and feasible?

Remember, the job description is based upon the position itself, not the individual performing the job. Make sure to get input from all relevant parties – supervisor and employee – when determining the final role of an impacted position.

In addition, we recommend that you consider cross-training employees on job tasks to be ready for these unforeseen times and to have coverage in the absence of employees when they are out of the office for personal reasons.

To ensure your compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations in the process of a reduction in force, we encourage you to consult with your attorney to review your plans before implementation. Be prepared with a plan and look at the strengths and weaknesses of your team so you are not caught off guard!

 

If your business is considering a reduction in force, the team at Strategic HR is available to help coach you through the process and decisions that will need to be made.  We are here to help you through the tough times – just contact us.

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Compensating Employees for Travel Time

Question:

We have employees who occasionally have to travel from one of our offices to another during their work day.  Are we required to pay them for their travel time?

Answer:

This is a very common situation, and the quick answer is it depends.  Exempt employees generally are not entitled to additional compensation for travel time, so when evaluating whether or not to compensate for travel time you should focus only on your non-exempt staff.  Work-related travel time NOT connected to the employee’s regular commute to and from work should generally be compensated and count toward an employee’s hours worked for the purposes of calculating overtime.

You should also have your travel time pay practices and policies reviewed by your legal counsel for the states and localities in which your employees are working to ensure compliance with applicable laws, and to ensure that your policies and practices are appropriate to your particular situation.

If an employee is commuting from home to their usual work site, it is not counted as compensable work hours; however, non-exempt employees who travel as part of their principal working duties should be compensated. Examples might include an office administrator traveling between multiple offices for meetings or a repairman going from one assignment to the next.

Another example of compensable travel time is if the employee is traveling from home to a non-typical work location and back home in the same day.  The amount of time that the employee spends traveling to and from the non-typical work location that exceeds the employee’s normal commute is considered compensable travel time.

Generally, employees should be compensated for all time spent traveling during regular business hours.

Please bear in mind that laws exist in numerous states that provide expanded definitions of travel time or impose additional requirements for travel time pay. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) addresses this issue specifically in Section 29 CFR § 785.38 (Portal-to-Portal Act).

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance and Recordkeeping page to learn about our auditing services which can help you identify trouble spots in your HR function.

 

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FSLA – Update Notice

Question:

What is the final rule by the Department of Labor to the Fair Labor Standards Act regarding overtime pay?

Answer:

By now, you have heard that the Department of Labor (DOL) has FINALLY announced the updates to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This is a final rule by the DOL to make an estimated 1.3 million American workers newly eligible for overtime pay.

What happened with the last FLSA Rule?

As a reminder, this dated piece of legislation was updated and scheduled to go into effect December 2016.  After much legal activity and postponements, it was never implemented, even after many employers made adjustments to comply.

What is the newest FLSA change?

In summary, the FLSA final rule increases the salary level for the “white-collar” exemptions, and it is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2020.  Here are the critical pieces you need to prepare for:

  • The current required salary to pass the salary test for exempt status is $455 per week ($23,660 annually).
  • The new required salary level for exemption will be $684 per week ($35,568 annually). You CAN use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments to satisfy up to 10% of the required salary level.  What that means is, for example, you can continue to classify your shift manager who is making $33,000 per year as exempt, as long as you provide nondiscretionary bonuses of at least $2,568, which would get them to the $35,568 requirement.
    • Examples of non-discretionary bonuses could include attendance bonuses, individual or group production bonuses, bonuses for quality and accuracy of work, retention bonuses, and profitability bonuses.
  • There is NO CHANGE to the duties test. Remember…there are 2 parts to the test to determine exemption – salary AND duties.  Only the salary levels test is  changing with this revision.
  • The new level for highly compensated employees will be $107,432. Currently, it is $100,000.

If your current exempt employees don’t meet this new salary requirement, you will either need to take steps to ensure they do meet this requirement or they will need to be reclassified as non-exempt and eligible for overtime. For more details on this final rule, visit the DOL FLSA Update.

Do I really need to worry about the new FLSA rule again?

Bottom line, the updated revisions are different than those proposed in 2016, and they are scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2020.  Similar to the last go around in 2016, it is best to prepare in advance for this change. Is it going to be repealed again?  One never knows, but we need to be prepared regardless.  The good news is that the final rule is not as severe as the 2016 recommended changes, so this change may not be as cumbersome for you to implement.

What should we do now to prepare for the FLSA final rule?

To prepare for FLSA’s final rule, look at your current properly classified exempt staff (those not receiving overtime) and review their current salary levels.  If they are making more than $35,568 annually – you are good to go!  If they are making less than that amount, review any nondiscretionary bonuses they may receive.  Make sure those total no more than 10% of the required salary level to help push them up over the threshold.  If it does not take them over the threshold, you will need to do one of two things: increase their salary to meet the minimum threshold or transition them to hourly status where they would be eligible for overtime.

Our best advice is to make sure that you have taken the steps to be prepared in advance before the new rule goes into effect.

If you’d like help in conducting this analysis for your organization, Strategic HR can help. Just reply here and we can have an initial discussion about your organization and discuss next steps. 

 

 

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How to Manage Creditable Coverage Reporting and Notices

HR Question:

I reported “creditability” of my prescription plans in March of this year and now I am getting notices that it is due in October.  Are these the same notices?  Is this the same creditable coverage document and what do I need to do?

HR Answer:

Creditable coverage documents and notices can be confusing because they include two different “parts.”  Do not confuse the reporting of Creditability to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with the notices you must provide to your employees.

Group health plans offering prescription drug plans to members over the age of 65 (whether primary or secondary coverage) are required to report the creditability of the plan and provide those eligible for coverage a creditability notice.  Employers must provide not only those employees and dependents insured under the plan, but also those that may be eligible to be insured under the plan, a Creditable Coverage notice.  This document informs individuals whether or not the drug coverage your plan provides is creditable or actuarially equivalent to what is available under the standard Medicare Part D plan.

These notices must be sent out AT LEAST once a year BEFORE October 15 and prior to an individual’s initial Medicare enrollment period.  The easiest way to do this is to send it to ALL PARTICIPANTS annually, and easier yet is to add it to the open enrollment materials which can include this along with all of the other alphabet soup items necessary for distribution (SPD, CHIPRA, HIPAA, WHCHRA, etc.)  A sample of the notices that must be distributed can be found in this DOL compliance assistance guide.

Specifically, the Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage notices (creditable and non-creditable) are provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The notices to employees (above) should not be confused with CMS notification.  In addition to the notices provided to employees, employers are also required to report the creditability of their plan online to CMS each year.  For plans that are on a calendar year (think January renewal), creditability must be reported no later than March 1 using the Disclosure to CMS Form.  The online disclosure should be completed annually no later than 60 days from the beginning of a plan year, within 30 days after termination of a prescription drug plan, or within 30 days after any change in creditable coverage status.  Because of these different due dates, it may be easier for employers to send out BOTH notices in March rather than October.

With all of these requirements, there is good news!  Your broker or group healthcare provider can tell you whether or not your plan is creditable AND The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provides the model notices and a direct link to the online form for reporting.  Creating and distributing these notices should be fairly easy and a quick item to knock off your to do list.  Just get the notices on your calendar each year and don’t forget to include both pieces.

 

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance & Recordkeeping page to learn about our auditing services which can help you identify trouble spots in your HR function.

 

 

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Under What Circumstances Is Caregiver Status Protected?

Question:

If our employee has a child with special needs, are they considered to be in a “protected” category in any way?

Answer:

The employee isn’t necessarily “protected”; however, under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act– which covers private employers with 15+ employees and all state & local government employees) there is protection for employees who are “associated” with a person with a disability.  It’s a bit of a gray area, but essentially the company cannot treat a worker less favorably based on stereotypical assumptions about the employee being able to perform their job duties while also caring for their disabled child (in your example).  A company shouldn’t refuse to hire a candidate because they know their child has a disability (some employers might do this due to worrying about the employee being away from work, high insurance premiums, etc.).  So, even though a company doesn’t have to make reasonable accommodations for someone who is associated with someone with a disability, the employer can’t discriminate against them.  The EEOC enforces the ADA discrimination laws.

Additionally, for a company who meets the guidelines for FMLA, the Department of Labor does specify that parents of adult children with disabilities (or any child with a serious health condition perhaps stemming from a disability) would be entitled to the 12 weeks/year of job protected leave.  Here is a link to the Department of Labor’s guidelines.

FMLA and other workplace compliance issues  can be difficult to understand, let alone enforce. That’s where Strategic HR has you covered. We bring years of HR experience and know-how to the table. We can assist you with your tough compliance issues and help you sleep more soundly at night. Visit our Compliance page to learn more.

 

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Post-Accident Drug Test: Workers Compensation?

Question: 

Say what? The employee who failed his post-accident drug test gets workers compensation?

Answer:

Employers might assume that an injured worker’s positive post-accident drug or alcohol test will automatically defeat a related workers’ compensation claim.  However, in Ohio at least, the reality is a bit more complicated.  Under Ohio law, a positive, post-accident drug test raises only a “rebuttable presumption” that the injured worker’s use of drugs or alcohol proximately caused the industrial injury.  Since this legal presumption is “rebuttable,” the burden then shifts back to the employee to prove that the impairment did not cause the accident. This burden-shifting “rebuttable presumption” can be a potent defense to some claims. However, the presumption is triggered only if the following elements are first satisfied:

  1. The employer must have previously posted written notice that a positive test may disqualify the employee from benefits. To satisfy this requirement, employers often include this notice in their substance abuse section of the employment handbook.
  1. The detected levels of alcohol or other controlled substances must have been above the applicable threshold. These levels are mandated by federal law. Alternatively, if the injured worker refuses to submit to a test, the presumption will be triggered.
  1. A post accident test will qualify for the presumption only where: (1) the employer had reasonable cause to suspect that the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident; (2) the testing was done at the request of a police officer; or 3) the testing was done at the request of a licensed physician, who is not otherwise employed by the employer.

Ohio law defines “reasonable cause” as evidence that an employee is or was using alcohol, a controlled substance, or marijuana, drawn from specific, objective facts and reasonable inferences drawn from those facts in light of experience and training.  Examples of reasonable cause might include: direct observation of use; pattern of abnormal conduct; criminal investigation of employee for drug use; report of use by credible source; or repeated or flagrant violations of the safety or work rules of employer.

These requirements seem to create a conflict between the rebuttable presumption rule and an employer’s right to implement a zero tolerance drug policy at their workplace.  In fact, Ohio law specifically addresses this tension.  The statute provides that “nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the rights of an employer to test employees for alcohol or controlled substance abuse.”  See O.R.C. §4123.54(D).

Thank you to Lindsey K. Deck, Esq. and Karl R. Ulrich, Esq., for sharing your expertise in this week’s Question of the Week. Lindsey and Karl are both attorneys at Sebaly Shillito + Dyer. To contact Lindsey, please call (937) 222-2500. To contact Karl, please call (937) 222-2052. Click here to visit their website. 

Too many new Labor Law changes to keep up with? Let Strategic HR help you navigate the employment law minefield. Ask us for assistance with any of your Legal Compliance needs. Please visit our Compliance page for more information or call us (513-697-9855) if you have a specific question or need.

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What is a Certificate of Qualification for Employment?

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HR Question:

This week a hiring manager was excited about a candidate but learned during an interview that the candidate has had a Felony for theft.  The candidate mentioned having an Ohio Certificate of Qualification for Employment that they could provide. Although we are not a bank and the role does not handle money, we need to make sure our organization will not be put at risk by making a careless hire. Alternatively, we do not want to be discriminatory or lose an otherwise qualified individual that could make a great fit for the role.  So what is a Certificate of Qualification of Employment and how can it help our company?

HR Answer:

Ohio law provides for a certificate to be available that removes criminal-record-based barriers to employment, without erasing or hiding the criminal record itself. The “Certificate of Qualification for Employment” (CQE) will allow persons who have a previous felony or misdemeanor conviction to apply to the court to lift the collateral sanction that bars them from being considered for employment in a particular field. A CQE is only given if an individual has been through an extensive application and investigation process and deemed, by both the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC) and the Court, to be rehabilitated. A Certificate of Qualification for Employment may be revoked if the offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony offense committed subsequent to the issuance of the certificate.

Employer Benefits of a Certificate of Qualification for Employment

A CQE can benefit an employer by removing mandatory rules that prohibit licensure or employment of individuals with certain criminal records. The Certificate may be used for general employment opportunities as well. If an employer knowingly hires a CQE holder, the Certificate offers the employer legal protection from a potential negligent-hiring lawsuit. (However, if the employer fails to take action if dangerous or criminal behavior is exhibited after hiring and retains the employee after such behavior, the employer can then be held liable.)

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction provides information to learn more about the certificate and a link where you can assure the authenticity of a CQE. You can also contact The Ohio Justice and Policy Center or directly review Ohio Revised Code 2953.25.

Banning the Box

There are many states and cities with laws making it illegal to exclude an otherwise qualified applicant who has had a misdemeanor or felony. At least 16 states have already passed legislation, “banning the box”, which prevents employers from inquiring about a criminal background at initial application. Federal EEO laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibit employers from discrimination by using criminal history information in their employment decisions because they can significantly disadvantage protected individuals such as African Americans and Hispanics.

The EEOC also has written the following guidance you may refer to:

This candidate’s Certificate of Qualification for Employment could prove to be a win-win.  An applicant who has the qualifications you need and is looking for that long-deserved break may prove to be one of your most grateful and loyal employees if given the opportunity.  Remember whether hiring or declining, before making a potentially costly decision, it is important to educate yourself on related federal, state, and local laws and/or seek legal counsel.

Struggling with hiring the right person and figuring out how and where to find candidates? Wondering how to do drug screens, background checks, physicals, references, and assessments? We can help you make sense of it all. Whether you need a complete recruitment solution or just help with pieces of the process, Strategic HR can assist you. Visit our Recruitment page to learn how we can provide you with top-notch outsourced recruitment solutions.

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Can We Hire Someone on a J-2 Visa?

Question:

What is a J-2 Visa holder? Can we hire a J-2 Visa holder for a position that is located in the United States?

Answer:
A J-2 Visa holder is a spouse or dependent of a J-1 Visa holder.  A J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors, and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the U.S.

A candidate that is a J-2 Visa holder is eligible to work in the United States if they have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the Department of Homeland Security or Immigration.

When you onboard the J-2 Visa holder as an employee of your company, you would use the information on the Employment Authorization Document as a “List C” documentation on the I-9 form.  An Employment Authorization Document does have an expiration date.  Be sure you take note of is the expiration date.  You will need to get an updated Employment Authorization Document from the employee if the individual continues employment after the expiration date.

When employing an individual that is a non-US citizen, it is always best to make your attorney aware and consider consulting an immigration attorney to ensure you are in compliance.

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of workplace compliance issues and deadlines can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you keep up to date on these changes by offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues and by making sure you are informed of changes and reacting in a timely manner. Our HR Audit will help your organization identify trouble spots in your HR function. Visit our HR Audit page to learn more about this helpful service.

 

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Is It Acceptable to Cut a Live Check to Entice an Employee to Return Company Property?

Question:

One of our employees quit, but hasn’t returned their company key or equipment.  We typically use direct deposit, but is it acceptable to require employee to pick up their final paycheck when company property has not been returned?

Answer:

This can definitely get tricky, as it is understandable that you want to ensure receipt of all company property. Regardless of whether the employee has failed to return company property, it is important to remember that you must meet federal and state final pay deadlines. Federal law requires final pay at the next regular payday, but some states require final pay sooner.

While withholding an employee’s final paycheck is not allowed, there are some cases in which deductions may be permitted under federal law. For non-exempt employees, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits deductions for unreturned equipment as long as it does not reduce the employee’s pay below the minimum wage and does not cut into any overtime pay. Some states prohibit this practice or have additional requirements. Please check your state law before making a deduction. Deductions for unreturned equipment are never permitted for employees classified as exempt from overtime.

There is no legal issue with cutting a “live” check for their final paycheck instead of direct deposit as long as you follow both the federal and state final pay laws.

 

We understand, there are just too many new Labor Laws to keep up with. Not only are there laws that govern hiring practices, safety concerns and recordkeeping requirements, then there are the compensation and benefit laws. Let Strategic HR help you navigate the employment law minefield. Ask us for assistance with any of your Legal Compliance needs. Please visit our Compliance page for more information or call us if you have a specific question or need.

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What Does In Loco Parentis Mean In Regards to an FMLA Claim?

Image-In loco Parentis (woman caring for sick child

HR Question:

I thought if an employee wants to take FMLA leave to care for a child they have to show proof of guardianship, but now I’m hearing that’s not necessarily the case because of “in loco parentis.” What does this mean?

HR Answer:

When an employee requests FMLA leave to care for a family member who is obviously not their child or parent, an initial reaction would be for the employer to deny the request.  However, under the FMLA, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division definition of “parent” and “son or daughter” includes any other individual who stands in loco parentis (“in the place of a parent”) to the employee or child.  In these cases a legal or biological relationship is not required.  Failing to recognize the in loco parentis relationship could result in an FMLA interference claim.

Employers should act diligently when an employee requests FMLA leave to care for an individual who is not obviously a parent or child, and should explore whether an in loco parentis relationship exists.  An employer may require an employee to provide reasonable documentation or a statement of the family relationship.  Employers should keep in mind that a simple statement asserting that the requisite family relationship exists is all that is needed for in loco parentis situations where there is no legal or biological relationship.

The FMLA regulations define in loco parentis as including persons with day-to-day responsibilities to care for or financially support a child.  Courts have indicated some factors that determine in loco parentis status include:

  • the age of the child;
  • the degree to which the child is dependent on the person;
  • the amount of support, if any, provided; and
  • the extent to which duties commonly associated with parenthood are exercised.

An eligible employee is entitled to take FMLA leave to care for a person who provided such care to the employee when the employee was a child. If the individual stood in loco parentis to the employee when the employee was a child, the employee may be entitled to take FMLA leave even if he or she also has a biological, step, foster, or other parent, provided that the in loco parentis relationship existed between the employee and the individual when the employee met the FMLA’s definition of a “son or daughter.”  Although no legal or biological relationship is necessary, grandparents or other relatives, such as siblings, may stand in loco parentis to a child under the FMLA as long as the relative satisfies the requirements.

 

FMLA, the ADAAA, and other labor laws can be difficult to understand, let alone enforce. That’s where Strategic HR has you covered. We bring years of experience and know-how to the table. We can assist you with your tough compliance issues and help you sleep more soundly at night. Visit our Compliance page to learn more.

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What Laws Apply When Businesses Reach 50 Employees?

HR Question:

My organization is growing and we are about to reach 50 employees. What laws do we need to follow now that we’ve reached 50 employees?

HR Answer:

Congratulations! Reaching a workforce of 50 employees is a terrific milestone; and likely the result of business growth and success! In the employment arena, there are a few regulatory requirements when employers reach an employee count of 50 or more:

Family Medical Leave Act:

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) FMLA applies to all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 employees or more. FMLA is designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. It also seeks to accommodate the legitimate interests of employers and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

An employer is not immediately covered under the FMLA when it reaches 50 employees. Instead, the employer needs to maintain 50 employees or more on the payroll for a period of 20 or more calendar work weeks (not necessarily consecutive work weeks) in either the current or preceding calendar year.

What to do:  If you expect your headcount to remain steady at 50 employees or more, you’ll need to monitor your headcount closely. Once you satisfy the 50 employees over 20 or more calendar work weeks), you’ll need to implement an FMLA policy and begin offering the benefit to your workforce. It’s recommended you draft the policy ahead of time and be ready to implement it once it becomes a requirement.   

The Affordable Care Act (ACA):

The Affordable Care Act (sometimes known as ACA, PPACA, or “Obamacare”), is a comprehensive health care reform law enacted in March 2010. The law has 3 primary goals:

  • Make affordable health insurance available to more people.
  • Expand the Medicaid program to cover all adults with income below 138% of the federal poverty level. (Not all states have expanded their Medicaid programs.)
  • Support innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the costs of health care generally.

Employers with 50 or more full-time and/or full-time equivalent (FTE) employees must follow the Employer Shared Responsibility Provision. Employers with 50 or more full-time employees and/or FTEs that don’t offer affordable health insurance to qualified employees may be subject to penalties.

What to do:  First, determine if you’re an “Applicable Large Employer” (ALE) under the ACA which equates to 50 or more full-time employees and full-time equivalent employees (FT/FTE). The ACA classifies “full time” employment as 30 hours a week of work or more. So, when you’re calculating your total number of employees, you’ve got to include both full-time employees as well as those who work the equivalent of full-time hours.

Secondly, review your health plans to determine if they meets ACA requirements. Providing access to “affordable” health insurance of “minimum value” is one of the core purposes of the ACA. Review ACA requirements against your current benefit plans and work with your human resources professional or insurance broker to identify what changes (if any) need to be made in order to be in compliance.

ACA Reporting:

Once you have 50 or more full-time employees and/or FTE employees, you also have new responsibilities for information reporting.

What to do: The IRS details the pertinent information about your potential reporting requirements.

Federal Contractor Requirements:

If you’re an employer who works on federal contracts, there are additional Federal requirements once you reach 50 employees or more:

  • Affirmative Action Plans (AAPs) outline an organization’s policies and procedures for proactively recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting women, minorities women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities in employment. Employers with 50 employees or more and $50,000 in government contracts must have an Affirmative Action Plan.
  • EEO-1 Reporting – The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires all federal contractors who have 50 employees or more to fill out and submit the EEO-1 Report. The report requires employers to provide a count of employees by job and then by race, ethnicity, and gender.

 

Are you concerned that you are not in compliance with the required labor laws? Let Strategic HR help. Visit our Legal Compliance page for more information.

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Can you be an Employee and Independent Contractor for the Same Company?

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Updated May 2022

HR Question:

Can an individual that is working for us be both an employee AND an independent contractor?

HR Answer:

According to IRS guidelines, it is possible to have a W-2 employee who also performs work as a 1099 independent contractor. For example, it is possible that an individual could work part of the year as an employee and part of the year as an independent contractor due to a layoff or even a resignation. Another way this could occur would be if the individual is performing completely different services or duties for a company that would qualify them as an independent contractor.

Examples of Employee and Independent Contractor Dual Classification

  • A production worker is laid off due to a slow down in the warehouse. The individual begins doing janitorial work for a few local companies and provides services to the same company from which they had been laid off. In this situation, the individual would receive a W-2 for the time they worked as an employee and a 1099 for the janitorial work.
  • An Executive Assistant who also owns a cleaning service business can have dual classification if their employer contracts with their cleaning company to clean the offices in the evenings.
  • An IT Help Desk Associate who performs graphic design work as a side gig can have dual classification if their employer contracts with the individual to create a new logo for the company.
  • An Electrician who also does handy work after hours in the community can have dual classification if the individual contracts with their employer to replace the company’s roof.
  • A custodian who works for a county public school and also owns and operates his own snow plowing service on nights and weekends can be classified as an employee and issued a Form W-2 for his custodian position. At the same time, when the county contracts with the individual for snow plowing services, he is an independent contractor as well.

How to Determine if Someone is an Employee or Independent Contractor

To determine if this dual classification applies to your situation, you must first verify if your current (or previous) employee’s secondary work qualifies as an independent contractor. The IRS provides specific guidance surrounding the Independent Contractor Definition.

As an alternative to making the determination yourself, you can choose to have the IRS review your situation and make the determination for you, but it will take some time. You would need to submit your position information to the IRS directly by completing IRS Form SS-8. In doing this, the IRS will determine the proper job classification and even guide you on dual classification. Although you will be confident in using the correct classification by following this route, know that the average response time is estimated to be six months.

If you (or the IRS) determine that the extra work being completed meets the Independent Contractor guidelines, you can pay them as both an employee and an independent contractor. If you elect to do this, be sure to keep accurate records. Companies should maintain a W-4 for employees and a W-9 for those working as a contractor. In addition, be sure to clearly and accurately document the hours worked in each category and the duties that were performed. It is widely believed that having a worker receive both a W-2 and a 1099 increases the likelihood of an audit by both the IRS and the DOL. Therefore, maintaining detailed records will be essential for your defense.

What Happens if you Misclassify Employees

Criminal penalties and liability for backpay may be imposed against organizations and leaders if Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) laws are violated. The DOL has recently increased its focus and scrutiny on employer misclassification of independent contractors. It is important to be aware that additional auditors have been engaged to direct their attention toward this area of compliance. Therefore, be sure that you have followed all relevant guidelines and maintain proper recordkeeping to protect your organization and remain compliant.

 

Thank you to Patti Dunham, MBA, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for updating this HR Question of the Week.

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions regarding properly classifying your employees and other HR matters. We offer resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance & Recordkeeping page to learn about our auditing services which can help you identify trouble spots in your HR function.

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Compensating Employees for the Company Holiday Party

Question:

Our company is having a company holiday party, so do we need to pay our employees to attend?

Answer:

It’s that time of year when companies are planning holiday parties as a way to build morale and celebrate the past year with their employees.  In regards to compensation for attending the company holiday party, the obligation to pay employees for attendance at a holiday party applies only to nonexempt employees.  Exempt employees do not need to be paid extra for time spent attending.  The big thing to consider is whether or not attendance is required.  If attendance at the event is strictly voluntary, and you clearly explain this up front with all employees (including non-exempt) then you are not required to pay employees to attend.  Holiday parties scheduled during the regular work day will always be compensated.  Conversely, no compensation is owed for holiday-party attendance that is 100% voluntary and strictly for the benefit of employees.

One other point to remember is that while attendance at a holiday party may be 100% voluntary for most employees, those who are working the event — even if the work is voluntary — must be paid.

In conclusion, when planning your holiday party, remember the following:

  • Make attendance at the holiday party entirely voluntary and clearly convey that message to employees.
  • Consider scheduling the party during regular working hours when nonexempt employees are paid anyway.
  • To the extent attendance is required, publish the hours of the party and enforce them.
  • Neither ask nor permit nonexempt employees to prepare for and/or work at the party outside regular work hours.
  • Remember there are various legal considerations. For example, serving alcohol, especially if provided without limitation, can lead to employee DUIs and tort claims, as well as reduced inhibitions that might lead to harassment claims.

 

We understand, there are just too many new Labor Laws to keep up with. Not only are there laws that govern hiring practices, safety concerns and recordkeeping requirements, then there are the compensation and benefit laws. Let Strategic HR help you navigate the employment law minefield. Ask us for assistance with any of your Legal Compliance needs. Please visit our Legal Compliance page for more information or call us if you have a specific question or need.

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Managing Frequent ADA Accommodations

Question:

I have an employee with a disability and I have made frequent ADA accommodations for them but lately their attendance is horrible.  Frequent call-ins for one thing or another or doctors’ visits have become the norm.  I can’t keep my production line running and I can’t plan for it.  Does the ADA require that I just live with this?  Are they exempt from my attendance policy as an accommodation?

Answer:

Although the ADA would like to require you to modify the schedule for this individual, and even in some circumstances alter the time and attendance requirement for this person as a reasonable accommodation, it is not necessary if it is causing an undue hardship.  Employers DO NOT have to exempt an employee from:

  • Time and attendance requirements,
  • Allow them to come and go as they please, or
  • Accept irregular, unreliable attendance.  

If the frequent and/or unpredictable nature of such absences put a strain on your operations (can’t meet production standards in this example) and a reasonable accommodation cannot be made, it is within your right to follow the attendance policy you have set forth for all of your employees.  If the poor attendance cannot be accommodated and it is causing production problems, customer issues, or costs you additional money in overtime to have someone “cover” for the missed shift, these may be examples of undue hardship for the company.  In this example, the employee is not meeting an essential duty of the job, ADA accommodations would impose an undue hardship, and discipline is warranted, up to and including termination.

According to the EEOC, It is not necessary to provide a reasonable accommodation if doing so would cause an undue hardship.  Undue hardship means that an accommodation would be unduly costly, extensive, substantial or disruptive, or would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of the business.  Among the factors to be considered in determining whether an accommodation is an undue hardship are the cost of the accommodation, the employer’s size, financial resources, and the nature and structure of its operation.  For more detailed information on ADA Accommodations, visit The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission page: The ADA: Your Responsibilities as an Employer.

 

Is your head spinning? Too many new Labor Laws to keep up with? Let Strategic HR assist you with navigating the workplace compliance minefield. We can help you with any of your  compliance needs. Please visit our Legal Compliance page for more information or feel free to call us if you have a specific question or need.

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Mandatory Retirement: Is It Legal?

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Updated June 2022

HR Question:

Our company has mandatory retirement requiring our employees to retire at age 67. We don’t discriminate…everyone is required to retire. I had someone “push back” when I started discussing their retirement saying I was being discriminatory. I told them everyone is asked to leave at age 67. Is that a problem?

HR Answer:

Well…it has the potential to be a problem. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) typically prohibits what they call “involuntary retirement” or in this case “mandatory retirement.” Requiring retirement is viewed as an involuntary termination and can lead to charges of age discrimination. As with most areas of human resources, there are exceptions. We will highlight a few exceptions below and share some points to consider moving forward.

Is Age a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification?

There are general exceptions if you can prove age is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) necessary to perform the duties of the position. To do this, employers are required to first show that the duties are necessary for the job. Secondarily, employers must show that the individual’s age prohibits them from performing the qualifications safely and/or efficiently. Typically, the issue of safety is paramount in this decision-making.

Typically, BFOQ is hard to prove. The majority of roles that have been able to meet this qualification and require mandatory retirement include roles in public safety or public transportation. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration currently mandates that airline pilots in multi-crew operations must retire at age 65 although there is current consideration for increasing this age to 67.

Is the employee a “Bona Fide Executive” or “High Policy Maker”?

The ADEA specifically defines an allowance for mandatory retirement for those deemed a “Bona Fide Executive” or “High Policy Maker.” These two defensible reasons are a little easier to prove and are clearly defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

A “Bona Fide Executive” as defined by the EEOC is someone who:

  • Manages the company or organization or a subdivision of the company or organization;
  • Directs the work of at least two other employees;
  • Has the authority to hire or terminate other employees or has significant influence in such decisions;
  • Has and uses discretionary authorities; and
  • Spends no more than 20 percent of his or her work time on activities unrelated to the activities required herein (40 percent for retail or service companies).

The EEOC defines a “High Policymaker” as someone who is a top-level employee (and not a Bona Fide Executive) who plays a significant role in developing and implementing corporate policy.

If you can show that the individual fits one of those categories, you could consider mandatory retirement for the individual. We also recommend that you consult your legal counsel in your decision-making process.

Consider the Benefits of a Multigenerational Workforce

Overall, it is important to analyze and challenge the idea of mandatory retirement for employees, even if the reasons you are considering it are defensible. Age is simply that – an age. Today, we have five generations in the workforce working side by side. Each generation brings a unique perspective and value to the work. Consider what this multigenerational approach can bring to your workplace.

From a litigation risk perspective, it is also important to note that there continues to be an increase in age-related discrimination claims. In a recent Kiplinger article, it is reported that 78% of older workers reported seeing or experiencing age discrimination on the job. For additional guidance on protecting your organization against age discrimination charges, see this article from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Employers need to value the work of all employees, and age should not be a defining factor in most instances of retention. Be sure you are doing the right thing, for the right reasons, when considering any policy that is based on age.

Thank you to Patti Dunham, MBA, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP for updating this HR Question of the Week.

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Legal Compliance Services to learn about our auditing services which can help you identify trouble spots in your HR function.

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Is it Important to Use Consensual Relationship Agreements?

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Updated February 2022

HR Question:

We just found out that two of our employees are in a romantic relationship and we don’t currently utilize consensual relationship agreements. Although they’re not in a supervisor/subordinate relationship, should we still be concerned? What should we do?

HR Answer:

Although romantic relationships in the workplace are quite common, you do have reasons for concern about employees dating one another.

With the evolution of the #MeToo era, many employers found themselves re-examining (or creating) policies to mitigate the threat of sexual harassment claims – such claims being one of the top fears for many employers. Inter-workplace romances can be difficult for a myriad of reasons; one of them is proving that a relationship is consensual.  The best approach is to first meet with both employees independently and determine whether there is any possibility that the agreement is not consensual. In particular, you should:

  • Make sure that the employee understands the company’s sexual harassment policy;
  • Emphasize to your employee that they will not be retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment;
  • Explain the procedure for reporting sexual harassment; and
  • Document the employee’s file with a summary of the interview.

Assuming that the relationship is indeed consensual, a great tool is to require the employees to enter a “Consensual Relationship Agreement.” These kinds of agreements can vary by industry and size of the organization, says the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). “Those employed at midsize and large organizations were more likely to say they were required to report such romances (27 percent at both) than those at small employers (16 percent).”

A “Consensual Relationship Agreement,” signed by both employees and management, provides that the employees will not allow the relationship to interfere with or impact the work environment, and also confirms and documents that the relationship is consensual and voluntary.  It is highly encouraged that the employer attach a copy of the company’s sexual harassment policy to the agreement to prove that the employee was aware of the sexual harassment policy and had the opportunity to report any inappropriate conduct by the other employee.  If done properly, a consensual relationship agreement will make it more difficult for an employee to claim that the relationship was “unwelcome.” In addition, the agreement will create a question about why the employee did not seek to stop the harassment by reporting it to management.

Consensual Relationship Agreements can be an important tool in managing the risk of sexual harassment claims; however, they must be created and administered with care.

Unsure what “Consensual Relationship Agreements” looks like? If you subscribe to our Virtual HR Solutions, you can access a sample of this agreement along with other HR-related policies, forms, checklists, toolkits, and more.  As a Virtual HR Solutions subscriber, you have 24/7 access to these easily customizable self-service tools.  Contact us for a free demo.

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FMLA and Maternity Leave

Question:  

I am pregnant and am looking to take some time off after the baby is born under the Family Medical Leave Act.  I have worked for my employer for over 3 years off and on but they aren’t consecutive. Do I still qualify for FMLA?

Answer:

Everyone’s favorite HR answer….Maybe!  In order to be eligible to take leave under the FMLA, an employee must:

  • Work for a covered employer
  • Work 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of leave
  • Work at a location where 50 or more employees work at that location or within 75 miles of it
  • Have worked for the employer for 12 months

However, the 12 months of employment are not required to be consecutive to qualify for FMLA leave. The regulations state, “…only employment within seven years is counted unless the break in service is due to an employee’s fulfillment of military obligations, or governed by a collective bargaining agreement or other written agreement.”

For more details on FMLA – See the Federal Department of Labor page regarding the Federal Leave. Employers are also reminded that some states have more generous FMLA laws.  Check your state regulations as well to make sure you are complying with your state leave laws.

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues, such as our HR Audit which helps identify trouble spots in your HR function.

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English-Only Rules in the Workplace

Question:

The owner of our company wants to institute an “English-only” rule, requiring our employees to only speak English in the workplace.  I’m just not comfortable with this at all.  Is this even legal?

Answer:

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a position statement indicating that English only policies in the workplace violate the law – unless there is a business necessity.  The EEOC has indicated that the rule should be limited to times when it is needed for safe and/or efficient operations.  If a rule appears justified and is instituted, it is highly recommended that the rule not be enforced during breaks and lunches.  For the EEOC statement regarding English only workplace rules go to:-  EEOC, Employment Rights of Immigrants Under Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws and scroll down to “Speak-English-Only Rules.

A few thoughts to keep in mind, you can translate critical documents into other languages fairly easily.  Think about what those key documents or postings may be. A few examples are employment application, employee handbook, safety warnings.  Often the cost to translate is minimal either using an online solution or reaching out to a translation company (ie. Affordable Language Services)

 

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by fielding your questions and offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues. Visit our Compliance page to learn about our auditing services which can help you identify trouble spots in your HR function.

 

 

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The Pros and Cons of Using a “Release” During a Termination Case

Question:

What are the pros and cons of using a “release” during a termination case?

Answer:

Many companies assume that an employee termination automatically means offering the employee severance pay and a separation agreement with a release of claims to avoid a potential employee lawsuit.  There are certainly advantages to the use of separation agreements to prevent possible legal headaches, but they may not be appropriate in all instances.

An employer should consider factors, such as employer policy, practice and employee relations philosophy when determining whether to offer a terminated employee a severance package in return for a release of claims. Typically the amount of severance is insignificant when compared to the cost of defending an employee claim, especially when the termination is a difficult one or the person being terminated is likely to assert a claim.  On the other hand, there are sometimes factors that may deter you from offering severance with a release of claims.  For example, some employers offer severance to ALL employees due to fear of lawsuits (regardless for the reason of the termination), and this can drive up overall costs for the company. It is also important to note that just by offering an employee a severance agreement with a release of claims; the company may unintentionally generate claims.

Finally, employers should carefully consider any precedent established by offering severance with a release of claims to only certain groups of employees.  Some terminated employees have claimed “reverse discrimination” and argued that the employer engaged in unlawful discrimination due to offering severance only to terminated employees in a certain category.

Labor laws are constantly changing and Strategic HR knows how difficult it can be to keep up. We offer a handy desktop reference that defines the different labor laws and how they apply to employers. Please visit our HR Store for this and other valuable desktop references.

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What is the Value of Job Descriptions?

HR Question:

Do I really need job descriptions for my employees? Are they legally required? We have a small staff and everyone has to be willing to do everything. What is the value of having job descriptions?

HR Answer:

No, job descriptions are not legally required documents, however, they can help your employees (and their supervisors) to understand their responsibilities and how their roles contribute to the mission of your organization. They are also an important part of compliance and, when written well, can help to protect your organization should you face employment law disputes.

To achieve optimal performance, it’s important that your employees understand the scope of their responsibilities. Job descriptions help to define a job by determining and documenting the responsibilities of the position and the physical requirements of the job. This document is not a “how-to” or a procedure outline (which can change frequently), but rather it should capture what individuals are accountable for in their job.

Job descriptions add value because they:

  • Provide a clear picture of the job to applicants applying for the position
  • Help current employees to understand what they are accountable for
  • Serve as a helpful tool for supervisors to coach employees on how to improve performance
  • Help to determine appropriate salary levels for a position based on the expectations, education, and experience requirements for the role
  • Allow individuals to evaluate the physical requirements necessary for the position and what the work environment is like (i.e., Does it require heavy lifting? Is it a “desk job”? Does it involve frequent travel, evenings, or on-call availability, etc.)
  • Allow organizations to determine if an employee can perform the physical functions of a job or if an accommodation could be made for those applying for a job (or coming back from a medical leave or workers’ compensation leave, for example)

Getting Started: What to Include in a Job Description

If you’re beginning the process of creating job descriptions, it can be helpful to conduct a job analysis to understand the necessary tasks and responsibilities for the position and how the job is performed by employees at your organization.

Common components of a job description include:

  • Job Title
  • Reporting Structure: Role the position reports to and role(s) the position supervises, if applicable
  • FLSA Classification
  • Date of Job Description Creation / Revision
  • Job Summary: It is helpful to provide a brief, general overview of the position.
  • Essential Job Duties/Function: Describe the duties that must be performed in the job. Focus on the function of the job rather than the means used to achieve that function. It helps to identify the required outcomes of the job tasks rather than describing the tasks themselves.
  • Physical Demands/Requirements
  • Work Environment
  • Minimum and Preferred Requirements
  • Disclaimer: Explains the job description isn’t designed to list every responsibility and is subject to change.
  • Acknowledgement/Signatures of Incumbent and Supervisor

For additional components to consider, see this step-by-step guide provided by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). We also recommend that you consult your legal counsel for guidance to ensure your job descriptions are appropriate for your organization and legally compliant.

Out of Date Job Descriptions Pose a Risk

It is important for your job descriptions to be kept up to date, otherwise they can potentially cause more harm than good when it comes to providing legal compliance support. However, when written well, the positive aspects of a job description outweigh the negatives and can provide you with documentation on the job requirements and support actions that you may have taken. Therefore, whenever your organization goes through significant changes or the nature of your work or specific jobs shift, be sure to revisit and revise your job descriptions accordingly.

An Easy Way to Keep Job Descriptions Updated

If finding the time to revise your team’s job descriptions feels like a daunting task in and of itself, consider addressing them one at a time. An easy way to work updates into your routine is to have supervisors take a few minutes during the performance review process to work with each employee to make any necessary updates their job descriptions. Approaching the updates one at a time during your reviews can help to make the process more manageable.

Job descriptions are too important to fall to the bottom of the “wish list.” When done correctly, they serve a multitude of functions. However, we understand busy workloads often relegate job descriptions to a “when time permits” activity. If you are putting off creating or revising your job descriptions due to a lack of time or staff, contact us. Dare we say it’s “in our job description” to help!

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Employment Posters

Question:

We have our federal employment posters available for employees, but which posters must also be seen by applicants and what’s the best way to ensure that we are complying?

Answer:

With the majority of recruiting transactions, happening online, it can be difficult to comply with the requirements for would-be employees to have access to employment posters. There are three federal employment law posters that must be available to applicants: the FMLA poster, the EEO poster and the Employee Polygraph Protection Act poster. For applicants coming to your location you need to make sure these three posters are in a place where candidates will see them.

The Department of Labor (DOL) offers this guidance:
“Most of our poster regulations were written before the Internet was used for job postings. Until the regulations are revised, please place a prominent notice on the website where the job postings are listed stating that ‘Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws’ and provide a link to the three posters:

Please note, however, that posting the notice on the employer’s website in this manner is not a substitute for posting these EEO posters in conspicuous places on the employer’s premises where otherwise required.

It’s safe to say this is one legal requirement that we’ll need to keep an eye on!

Strategic HR knows that keeping abreast of legal compliance issues and deadlines can be daunting, especially when the laws keep changing. We can help you stay compliant by offering resources to help you identify and mitigate compliance issues and by making sure you are informed of changes and reacting in a timely manner. Our HR Audit will help your organization identify trouble spots in your HR function. Visit our HR Audit page to learn more about this helpful service.

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Small Necessities Laws

Question:

What is the Small Necessities Leave Act and should I be concerned about it?

Answer:

The Small Necessities Leave Act (SNLA) gives employees the right to take leave for family obligations providing a limited number of hours annually, covering specific activities that are not included under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – such as for parents to attend school-related events and activities for their children. The hours of leave allowed under the SNLA is in addition to the 12 weeks leave allowed under the FMLA. Additionally, the hours do not need to be taken all at once, but can be taken intermittently, as long as it does not exceed the allowed maximum as mandated by the state.

Only a small number of states offer SNLA, these include:

  • California – 40 hours
  • DC – 24 hours
  • Illinois – 8 hours
  • Louisiana – 16 hours
  • Massachusetts – 24 hours
  • Minnesota – 16 hours
  • North Carolina – 4 hours
  • Rhode Island – 10 hours
  • Vermont – 12 hours
  • Nevada makes it unlawful to terminate an employee for using leave to attend a child’s school-related activities.

To be eligible for the SNLA an employee must have been employed with employer for at least 12 months, having actually worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months with that employer, and be employed at a company with 50 or more employees within 75 miles.

SNLA can be taken to:

  • Participate in school activities directly related to the educational advancement of the employee’s child(ren), such as for parent-teacher conferences or interviewing for a new school.
  • Accompany the child(ren) of the employee to routine medical or dental appointments, such as checkups or vaccinations.
  • Accompany an elderly relative of the employee to routine medical or dental appointments or appointments for other professional services related to the elder’s care, such as interviewing at nursing homes or group homes.

The employee must give seven days’ notice of intent to take such a leave if the leave is foreseeable. If the need for the leave is not foreseeable, the employee must give notice as soon as practicable. Leave can be calendar or fiscal year.

The SNLA leave is generally unpaid leave but, similar to the FMLA, employees may use accrued paid time and have the leave paid or the employer may require that the employee use such accrued time.

One of the stickiest aspects to human resources management is Employee Relations. Are you having difficulties in your company that stem from employee-employer related issues? Strategic HR has years of experience in employment relations. Visit our Employee Relations page to learn how we can help you resolve some of your toughest ER problems.

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Unemployment For Seasonal Workers

Question:

Are seasonal employees eligible for unemployment if they meet the minimum requirements of length of service and wages?

Answer:

More and more states are saying “no”. There are many jobs that only last for a portion of the year, which have typically been eligible for jobless benefits. Federal law gives each state the option to decide whether or not to allow those seasonal workers to receive benefits. Many states are stripping some workers of their eligibility as a way to save money.

For example, some states identify specific seasonal industries that operate approximately nine months out of the year and do not allow those workers unemployment benefits in the off-season. In all, approximately 15 states restrict the payment of unemployment benefits to workers who earned some or most of their wages in seasonal jobs. The seasons are defined differently with some being based on the time frame and others on the industry.

Currently, federal law prohibits professional athletes from accessing unemployment benefits between seasons. Additionally, teachers who work directly for school districts have been ineligible to take unemployment during the summer.

However, for other workers it’s up to the individual states to decide. As a result, as with many thing HR-related, it is important to check the unemployment laws within your state.

Are you concerned that you are not in compliance with required labor laws? Do you have multiple locations in different states and struggle with knowing which laws to follow? Don’t know where to turn to find the latest news regarding HR compliance? Let Strategic HR help keep you in the loop and out of hot water. Visit our Compliance page for more information on how we can help.

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Voluntary Classification Settlement Program

Question:

What is the new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) and what, if anything, does my company need to do?

Answer:

The new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP) was developed by the IRS to provide payroll tax relief to employers that reclassify their workers (as employees) for future tax periods. Part of the Fresh Start initiative created by the IRS, this program aims to increase compliance and reduce the tax burden for employers. Under the VCSP employers will pay 10 percent of the employment taxes that would have been due for the most recent tax year on the workers being reclassified. Employers also avoid interest and penalties on the payment and will not undergo an audit for tax purposes in prior years.

To take part employees in question must have previously been treated as independent contractors or other non-employees. Employers need to file an application with the IRS at least 60 days before beginning the treatment of these workers as employees. Employers will be notified whether or not they are eligible to participate and in doing so, the IRS will not share the reclassification with the Department of Labor.

It’s never ending. Just when you thought you had a handle on recent regulatory changes something new crops up. There isn’t enough time in the day to keep on top of everything! That’s where Strategic HR can help. We stay on top of the changes so you don’t have to. Ask us for assistance with any of your benefits, compensation or other regulatory needs. Please visit our Benefits & Compensation page for more information on any of these services.

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Is It Okay To Use Personality Tests Prior To An Interview?

HR Question:

Is it okay to ask candidates to take online personality profile tests before they interview with anyone from our company? Only those candidates who “pass” the profile will move forward in the process. I’m concerned that using such a test to screen candidates could be legally questionable.

HR Answer:

Generally speaking, it is not recommended to conduct a personality assessment as the first step in the recruitment process, as personality fit is only one factor in the hiring equation. Any assessment used for hiring purposes needs to rely on the bona fide occupational qualifications (BFOQ) of the position. Additionally, the test itself needs to be proven reliable and valid for testing those BFOQs. There are many pre-employment tests sold that are loaded with inappropriate questions – questions not necessarily linked to the necessities of the job. If the assessment can be shown to be related to the skill needs of the position and it is administered to all the applicants equally for that position then it should be okay. But when talking about personality assessments, that’s another matter.

How personality profile tests can lead to disparate impact

While many large corporations use such tests as part of their initial online screening, if the test has not been vetted and causes a disparate impact (i.e., has a detrimental impact on one group of applicants versus another group), this can cause major legal headaches. What happens, for example, if the test results are deemed voided? Should the employer not rely on them at all? If the employer does not rely on them, what about the applicants that did well on the test – do they have a possible legal claim along with the applicants who did not get hired? These instances often give rise to very expensive lawsuits with lots of publicity – the New Haven firefighter case decided in 2009 by the Supreme Court is a great example.

What is the preferred timing for a personality profile test?

If a personality test “must” be done, it would be best to do so only after hire, as a tool to help guide management in building a relationship with the new employee, or it should only be administered to final candidates as a tool to help distinguish between candidates; not select a final candidate. A personality profile isn’t something that should be used as a tool for hire unless it can be shown to be job-related. And it should never be THE tool to determine if a candidate is hired or not, but one of many tools.

Regarding the legal risk associated with using such a test, this is a very complicated legal area, and can easily give rise to litigation. You should check with your legal counsel before using such a test.

Strategic HR understands the complexity and pitfalls of hiring. From applicants to candidates to prospects, we know the ins and outs of sourcing, screening, and selecting your next new employee. For more information on how we can help you fill your job openings efficiently and cost-effectively, visit our Recruitment page.

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Am I Required to Offer COBRA?

Question:

How do I determine if I have to offer COBRA to our employees for their health insurance? We are ‘on the bubble’ with 21 employees this year, but some are part time. 

Answer:

According to the Department of Labor, group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year are subject to COBRA. Both full and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA. Each part-time employee counts as a fraction of an employee, with the fraction equal to the number of hours that the part-time employee worked divided by the hours an employee must work to be considered full-time.

Providing adequate Benefits and Compensation for your employees is key to the recruitment and retention of a well performing workforce, and having the right policies in place can make or break a company. Strategic HR understands this critical need and can help you structure your benefit and compensation system to meet today’s competitive market. Please visit our Benefits and Compensation page for more information on how we can help get you competitive today.

 

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Employee Accomodation under the ADA

Question:

Are employers required under the Americans with Disabilities Act to accommodate someone who can’t perform essential job functions? What if the employer provides an accommodation and the employee still has problems doing the job?

Answer:

In many cases, YES! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to accommodate someone with a disability unless that accommodation would cause what the EEOC defines as “undue hardship” for an employer. These accommodations may vary significantly in scope and whether or not it would cause an “undue hardship” depends on the size of the company and the cost of the accommodation, just to name a few of the factors. So even if the applicant or current employee cannot perform the essential job functions, accommodations may need to be made.

Let Strategic HR help you navigate the employment law minefield. Ask us for assistance with any of your sticky legal compliance needs. Please visit our Compliance page for more information on any of these services.

 

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Impact Of Miscarriage On Leave

Question:

We had an employee request, and was granted, maternity leave under our leave policy.  After the leave was granted, she had a miscarriage. How should this impact the maternity leave and how long should we allow her to be out?

Answer:

From a legal perspective, maternity leave falls under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows eligible employees 12 weeks of job protected leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child, the employee’s own serious health condition, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. The above circumstance would most likely qualify as leave taken for the employee’s own serious health condition. To be covered, you will need to have the employee obtain certification from her health care provider. The length of time she takes for leave, up to the 12 weeks, may largely be determined by when her doctor releases her. Other benefit programs that may come into play in this situation could be short term disability and your Employee Assistance Plan, if you have either of these in place.

Be sure to review your Maternity Leave Policy to make sure it is in compliance with FMLA regulations. The Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) offers guidance for managing FMLA claims and our team at Strategic HR can also assist you with this and other compliance questions.

One of the stickiest aspects of human resources management is Employee Relations. Are you having difficulties in your company that stem from employee-employer related issues? Strategic HR has years of experience in employment relations and can help coach you through challenging employee relation issues. Visit our Employee Relations page to learn how we can help you resolve some of your toughest ER problems.

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Performance Review Copies

Question:

Am I required to provide my employees with a copy of their performance reviews?

Answer:

We consider it a best practice to give employees a copy of their performance review since it is being discussed with them, it can affect your/management’s decisions regarding their compensation, and it is a signed document. However, no law mandates that you provide it to the employee.  See below for an excerpt from Nolo on State Laws on Access to your Personnel File:

While many states now have some type of law regulating personnel files…most of these laws control not the content of the files, but, rather:

Whether and how employees and former employees can get access to their personnel files,

• Whether employees are entitled to copies of the documents in them, and

• How employees can contest and correct erroneous information in their files.

In some states, [employees] have a right to see those files only if they are related to a lawsuit [the employee] filed against [his/her] employer or former employer. Even then, [he/she] might be in for a legal battle over what portions of the files are relevant to the case. But, in many states, [employees] have the right to see the contents of [their] personnel file—or at least some of the documents in it—without filing a lawsuit.

In Ohio, for example, “there is no law in Ohio that requires an employer to grant an employee access to his or her personnel file. There are, however, two key exceptions: medical records and wage and hour records” (Source).

Let Strategic HR help you navigate the employment law minefield. Ask us for assistance with any of your legal compliance needs. Please visit our Compliance page for more information on any of these services.

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How do I handle missing or incorrect I-9 Forms?

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HR Question:

My company recently began to review our I-9s and found that we are missing some I-9 forms, and some are incomplete. Can we ask the affected employees to fill out another I-9 if it is missing? If so, how do we do it correctly? And if it was incomplete, can we update it on the old form? Please help!

HR Answer:

First, it’s important to understand that there are two types of I-9 errors: (1) technical and procedural errors and (2) substantive errors. Technical and procedural errors can be corrected. An example is forgetting to record a document title, which can easily be fixed, and fines are discretionary. A substantive error cannot be corrected. If audited, your company will likely face a fine if the statute of limitations has not been met. Examples of substantive errors include failing to complete I-9 paperwork or not signing or dating Section 2 of the form.

What to do if you have Substantive I-9 Errors (i.e., missing I-9s or incomplete I-9s)

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was intended to relieve employers of liability for certain minor and unintentional violations but wouldn’t act as a shield to avoid its basic requirements. When an I-9 form isn’t properly kept or completed, the violation is considered substantive and therefore uncorrectable.

If an I-9 form is lost, destroyed, or not maintained as required by the INA’s retention requirements, the appropriate action is to come into compliance with the law as quickly as possible. Once identified, a missing I-9 form should be completed by the employer and the affected employee immediately along with the current date. This won’t correct the error, but it does demonstrate a good-faith effort to comply with the law, which may be considered if penalties are assessed. A note should also be included with the I-9 regarding the reason you had to complete a new I-9.

To Correct an Existing I-9 Form Error

  • Draw a line through the incorrect information
  • Enter the correct information
  • Initial and date the correction

To correct multiple errors on the form, you may redo the section on a new I-9 form and attach it to the old form. A new I-9 can also be completed if major errors (such as entire sections being left blank or Section 2 being completed based on unacceptable documents) need to be corrected. A note should be included in the file regarding the reason you made changes to an existing I-9 or completed a new I-9.

Be sure not to conceal any changes made on the form. Doing so may lead to increased liability under federal immigration law. If you have made changes on an I-9 using correction fluid, it is recommended that you attach a signed and dated note to the corrected I-9 explaining why.

Never Backdate an I-9 Form

Employers that make false statements or attestations to satisfy the employment eligibility verification requirements may be fined, imprisoned for up to five years, or both (and this could be higher in certain fraud cases). If an investigation reveals that an individual knowingly committed or participated in acts relating to document fraud, additional (and substantial) fines may be imposed.

Penalties for I-9 Violations

Failure to comply with I-9 verification and document retention requirements could result in a penalty. Most recently, the minimum penalty for a first offense is $252 per I-9; the maximum penalty is $2,507 per I-9 for a first offense. These penalties are adjusted for inflation each year, so you should review the Federal Register’s Civil Monetary Penalty Adjustments for future updates. It’s also important to note that fines can increase significantly for second or subsequent violations.

Penalties are assessed based on several factors, including:

  1. The size of the employer
  2. Any good-faith efforts that were undertaken by the employer
  3. The seriousness of the violation
  4. Whether the individual involved is an unauthorized alien
  5. Any history of previous violations by the employer

The statute doesn’t require that equal weight be given to each factor, nor does it rule out consideration of additional factors.

Maintaining Compliance – How to Conduct an I-9 Audit

To reduce your risk, it is recommended to conduct regular internal I-9 audits and correct any mistakes appropriately. If you are unfamiliar with the process, see our article on how to conduct an I-9 audit.  Additionally, the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement and the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) have provided joint guidance to help employers perform internal audits which can be found in this handy downloadable guide.

It is also important that you continue to be aware of any reporting or process changes, such as the ending of the I-9 verification flexibilities, to ensure that you are maintaining your records properly.

Bottom Line…

It’s best to always ensure compliance within the appropriate three-day verification period from the employee’s date of hire to when the I-9 form is completed and signed by both parties. If you discover an error, you should take corrective action immediately. While substantive violations are not correctable, every effort should be made to ensure good-faith compliance when a discrepancy is uncovered. If a discrepancy is discovered, you are at risk of incurring substantial fines in the event of an audit. For additional support, you may want to contact an I-9 expert or legal counsel for guidance. We also recommend correcting any internal practices that led to the discrepancies so they are not repeated.

Thank you to Cassie Whitehouse, M.Ed., Senior HR Business Advisor, for updating this HR Question of the Week.

Recordkeeping is one of the more mundane tasks associated with Human Resources, but is extremely important and can get you into hot water if not done properly. If you’re concerned about your I-9 compliance, you should conduct an internal I-9 audit. If you don’t have the time or the expertise to do this properly, one of our expert HR Advisors at Strategic HR would be glad to help. Contact us for assistance with your I-9 audit or other recordkeeping needs. You may also be interested in learning more about our HR Compliance and Recordkeeping Services.  

 

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FMLA Expiration and COBRA

Question:

We have an employee who is on FMLA to receive an organ donation and the leave is expiring soon. At what point do we offer the employee COBRA, and for how long?

Answer:

It is generally required by employers to offer health care coverage under COBRA law when the employee is:

  • No longer eligible to receive benefits of employer-provided group health plan
  • No longer protected by federal or state leave laws

It is common for employee coverage eligibility to expire after 12 weeks of leave under FMLA and any additional leave where the employer is reasonably accommodating the employee under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Strategic HR has the answers to all of your tough Benefits and Compensation related questions. Whether you need an analysis of your current benefit offerings or are looking to create a cost-effective recognition and rewards program, Strategic HR can do the job. Please visit our Benefits & Compensation page for more information.

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Can I backdate FMLA paperwork?

Question:

Can I backdate FMLA paperwork to the date at which the employee went on Workers’ Compensation?

Answer:

In a word, “no” – FMLA cannot be backdated. That’s why it is so critical that HR is on top of any types of absences that may qualify for FMLA. If an injury that falls under Workers’ Compensation also qualifies as a “serious medical condition” under the Family and Medical Leave Act, any time missed can be counted against the 12 week leave allotment an FMLA qualified employee is entitled to receive. When such an event occurs, send the appropriate notifications (found on www.dol.gov), and make sure you document that you have done so.  Then follow up appropriately for the certifications. The clock does not start ticking on FMLA until the notifications have been sent – whether it is immediately after the incident, or two months later. Keep in mind, if an employee returns to work on light duty, from a Workers’ Comp injury, that is no longer time counted against Family Medical Leave.

The world of employee leave is a complex one, often involving Family Medical Leave, Workers’ Compensation and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Many times, the different types of leaves overlap. Make sure you consider all appropriate legislation when an employee is absent from work before taking any type of adverse employment action.

FMLA, the ADAAA and other labor laws can be difficult to interpret, let alone enforce. That’s where Strategic HR has you covered. We bring years of experience and know-how to the table. We can assist you with your tough compliance issues and help you sleep more soundly at night. Visit our Compliance page to learn more.