Unhappy employees often throw around the phrase “hostile work environment,” which can quickly lead employers to have nightmares about lawsuits and government inquiries. But for harassment to rise to the level of being unlawful, it not only has to be based on a person’s inclusion in a protected class (e.g., race, sexual orientation, age), it […]
While employers have the right to regulate employees’ on-duty conduct, they are more limited in how much control they can exert when employees are not on duty. We know issues may arise when employees engage in social activities after hours where they feel they can let loose or otherwise act in a way that is […]
In November of 2015, Congress passed the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act, requiring federal agencies to increase their civil penalties to account for inflation. Many agencies had not done so in more than a decade. This initial increase in rates is capped at 150 percent. Going forward, the rates will be adjusted […]
ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) are getting tough on violations. The number of audits are increasing. E-verify is mandatory for many employers. Are you following all the rules and laws when bringing in new hires? Are you prepared for a potential audit and subsequent fines? Contact CyQuest today for assistance with this and other […]
What salary did you make in your last position? Is it legal to ask an applicant that question? If you’re in Massachusetts a law goes into effect in 2018 prohibiting employers from asking that question. California passed legislation on a similar law, but it was vetoed. Many other states are working towards legislation regarding salary questions. While […]
Another good employee has quit. This is the fourth one in a matter of weeks. Nothing has changed in the business. You offer good pay and great benefits so what gives? First, are you asking these employees that are leaving by performing an exit interview? Second, are you listening to what they are telling you? […]
HR, the management team, and others understand that confidentiality clause is to protect your business from staff giving away the company trade secrets, right? Depending on the terminology used an employee may think they cannot tell someone they don’t like their job. The NLRB and EEOC may agree. One option would be to include a […]
All employers need to have a good understanding of FMLA and other special leave requests. Even if you do legally provide FMLA due to company size, there are other protected types of leave. Not having an understanding or training on this can cost you as described in this case: In this, Raimondi vs Wyoming County […]
Vacation policies are intended to be used for the specific purpose of vacation or leisure time, and employers who offer vacation time generally offer sick leave as well. The alternative to having two separate benefits is a singular Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit, which may be used for any purpose the employee chooses. Some states […]
