Do I Have to Provide Employees Time Off to Vote?
Voting is a basic right in the United States, but do employers have to provide time off to allow employees to exercise that right? As with many answers in human resources, “It depends.”
Tag Archive for: legal trends
Posts
How To Follow ACA Reporting Requirements & Avoid Penalties
Many organizations struggle to understand if they are following the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting standards correctly while others are not aware that they need to report in the first place. If you aren’t in compliance with ACA reporting requirements, each employee represents a potential fine. These fines can range from hundreds to millions of dollars—easy enough to bankrupt a smaller organization.
How Long Should We Keep Resumes and Applications?
We’re doing some end-of-year filing and record cleanup. How long do we need to keep resumes and applications?
How Do I Handle Missing or Incorrect I-9 Forms?
HR Question: My company recently began reviewing our I-9s and found that we have some missing or incorrect I-9 Forms. 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?
What Employers Need To Know About Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA)
On February 21, 2025, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4002 into law, amending the state's Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). These changes have significant implications for employers operating within Michigan as they include revisions to accrual rates, carryover rules, and compliance deadlines.
How to Manage Creditable Coverage Reporting and Notices
HR Question: I am getting ready to report “creditability” of my prescription plans in March of this year, but I just sent a notice in October. Are these the same notices? And if so, why do I need to send them out twice?
Do I Need a New I-9 Form for a Name Change?
HR Question: I have an employee who recently changed their name. Do they need to complete a new I-9 Form for their name change?
What are the Best HR Practices for the End of the Year?
HR Question: I know there are several year-end human resources activities that should be done, and I'm worried I will miss a step. What are some of the best HR practices for the end of the year?
What to do if the IRS notifies you of Affordable Care Act (ACA) penalty fees
HR Question: How do I know if my company needs to submit Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting to the IRS? What are the potential ACA penalty fees if we do it wrong?
How to Conduct an Internal I-9 Audit
Leveraging our experience completing countless I-9 audits for our clients, we will share recommendations to help you through an I-9 audit and the correction process if you discover Form I-9 mistakes.
What are the Latest ACA Reporting Changes and Deadlines?
ACA update - employers with 10+ forms will be required to report through electronic methods. Here are the ACA reporting forms and deadlines.
Are Evacuation Drills Mandatory to Meet OSHA Training Requirements?
When planning for workplace emergencies and evacuations, does your company follow OSHA Training Requirements as part of their annual training?
How To Handle Expired Prescription Drug Use In The Workplace?
HR Question: We recently had a situation where a longtime employee, with no prior incidences, took an expired prescription drug that was inhibiting her performance. After her drug test, she tested positive with it in her system and the script was older than one year. What should I do?
What Happens If the Non-Compete Ban Goes Into Effect?
Do you know how to handle non-competes in your workplace?
What Are The Top 5 Commonly Missed Records In Employee Personnel Files?
Are you missing any key records in employee files? Avoid these common mistakes to protect your organization and improve HR compliance.
Can I backdate FMLA paperwork?
Under certain circumstances, you can backdate FMLA paperwork. The key is following the right process to be compliant. We'll explain how!
What Do I Have to Know Before Filing My EEO-1 Report?
Do you know if you're required to file an annual EEO-1 report? If you're not sure, check out the requirements here!
Can I Store I-9 Forms Electronically?
Here's how to complete and store I-9 Forms electronically, along with guidance on how long you are required to store I-9s.
Can We Cut a Live Check to Entice an Employee to Return Company Property?
Is it acceptable to cut a live check to entice a terminated employee to return company property? Learn about your options and legal concerns.
How to Handle Background Checks for Temporary Employees
Should you do background checks on temporary employees if you want to hire them full-time? What if the temp agency didn't match your process?
Mandatory Retirement: Is It Legal?
It's important to understand the risks of mandatory retirement should your organization choose to implement it. Here's what to consider.
How To Conduct a Workplace Accident Investigation
Despite the best efforts, accidents happen. Here's how to conduct a workplace accident investigation and steps to prevent future injuries.
Can My Employee Take a Vacation While on FMLA Leave?
What would you do if an employee posted vacation pictures while out on FMLA leave? Our HR expert shares what to do... and what not to do.
Can an Employee Take FMLA Leave to Care for an Adult Child?
Do you know what to do if an employee requests FMLA leave to care for an adult child? Here are recommendations to remain compliant.
Why Do I Need An Employee Handbook?
Learn how your employee handbook can protect your employees and your organization. Plus how to avoid common pitfalls.
Is it Important to Use Consensual Relationship Agreements?
What should you do if you learn two of your employees are in a romantic relationship? Learn the value of consensual relationship agreements.
What Laws Apply When Businesses Reach 50 Employees?
Reaching a workforce of 50 employees is a terrific milestone. Be sure you're aware of the laws that apply to businesses with 50 employees.
Who Has to Submit OSHA Form 300A?
Does your company need to comply? We'll explain which companies need to complete the OSHA 300A form along with the posting date requirements.
Marijuana in the Workplace
Wondering how to handle marijuana in the workplace now that Issue 2 has passed in Ohio? Find answers in this HR Question of the Week!
Can you be an Employee and Independent Contractor for the Same Company?
It is possible to have a W-2 employee who also performs 1099 independent contractor work, but employers must follow these federal regulations.
How To Handle Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace
Do you know what to do if you suspect workplace drug and alcohol abuse? We'll walk you through what to do step by step.
Can I Fire Someone During Their Introductory Period?
Are you putting your organization at risk if you fire someone during their introductory period? Here's how to reduce your risk.
Why Is Harassment Training Important?
Think your organization doesn't need harassment training because you have an anti-harassment policy? Think again.
At-Will Employment Termination Risks
Just because you're an at-will employer, doesn't mean you can end employment without reason. Learn more about at-will termination risks here!
Do I Need a Heat Safety Plan? How Do I Build One?
With summer temperatures rising, do you have a heat safety plan in place to protect your team members? Are you ready for OSHA Inspections?
Federal Employment Poster Requirements for On-Site and Remote Workers
HR Question: I keep receiving notices that I need to order new posters to meet federal employment poster requirements. Many of my employees aren’t in the office regularly and those that are don’t look at the posters or any of the compliance documents we are required to distribute. What’s the risk if we don’t post these posters or distribute the annual notifications to employees?
What is Equal Pay Day?
Do you know how long it takes for a woman to earn as much as her male counterpart's annual salary? It changes every year!
How To Organize Employee Records And Remain Compliant
It's critical to follow federal regulations as you organize employee records. Here are 5 key types of employee files & how to maintain them.
What is the Value of Job Descriptions?
What's the value of job descriptions? We'll explain what to include in job descriptions and how they can help with your HR HR Compliance.
Why Is It Important To Get An Employee’s Signature?
Learn why an employee signature is critical to protect your business and the employee. We explain signature best practices & what not to do.
Are Employee Gift Cards Considered Taxable Benefits?
If you provide gift cards as employee rewards, do you know whether they are taxable benefits? Read this HR Question of the Week to find out!
How To Determine If A Home Office Injury Is Covered By Workers’ Compensation
Remote workplace injuries can be harder to investigate. Here's how to determine if an injury is covered by workers' compensation.
Do Our Remote, Out-of-State Employees Qualify for FMLA?
If you have out-of-state remote workers, be sure that you know how to remain compliant with FMLA regulations. If not, you risk costly fines.
Compensating Employees for Travel Time
The FLSA and state laws exist to provide definitions of travel time or impose additional requirements for travel time pay.
How to Handle Unemployment Fraud?
HR Question: Our company is getting unemployment notices for people that have never worked here, or in some cases, people who are still employed. How should I handle this unemployment fraud?
What Should I Consider Before Doing a Reduction in Force?
Review these eight recommended steps when considering a reduction in force (RIF) within your organization.
What Should Ohio Employers Know About Marijuana in the Workplace?
True and False questions to help you understand your organization rights as it relates to marijuana in the workplace.
What is a Certificate of Qualification for Employment?
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 […]
