In The News

PER Human Resources – July 2020

Want to know the latest buzz in the HR arena? Professional Employer Resources has a world of information in our newsletter. Not only is it fun, it’s resourceful! Including, important changes to federal and state employment practices.

Eighty five percent (85%) of all employment lawsuits can be prevented!

When Joking Around
Goes Too Far

Jax Auto Repair is a fun and easy-going place to work. Employees work hard and they have a good time in the process. They’re often seen laughing and kidding around with one another. Sometimes, the language gets rough, but everyone knows it’s joking around, and no harm is meant.

One day, a verbal argument broke out between two employees. One employee was heard saying, My family is off limits. They’re here legally and so am I. That’s it. You’d better back off.

Recognizing the red flag, Read on to learn how the owner and HR reviewed the situation.*

(*These incidents are based on real cases. Names and other details have been changed.)

Can an employee claim harassment when offensive jokes or other conduct are not directed specifically at them?

An employee who is offended by jokes, pictures, or office banter about sex, race, sexuality, religion, age, or other protected class can claim harassment, even if the jokes, pictures, or other conduct were not directed at them.

Learn More

FEDERAL UPDATES
DOL Online Tool to Determine FFCRA Eligibility

EEOC Provides Return-to-Work and COVID-19 Antibody Testing Guidance Under Federal Civil Rights Laws

OSHA Revises Injury Reporting Guidance for COVID-19 Cases

US Supreme Court: LGBTQ+ Employees Protected Against Employment Discrimination

STATE UPDATES
Maryland
Maryland Amends Its Mini-WARN Law

Virginia:
Virginia’s New Pay Transparency Law

Washington:
Washington Lactation Accommodation – No Doctors Note Needed

Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Act Amendments

This information is provided by ePlace Solutions, Inc. which is solely responsible for its content. ePlace Solutions, Inc. is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. Federal and state laws are more complex than presented here. This information is simplified for the sake of brevity and is not a substitute for legal advice. ePlace Solutions, Inc. disclaims any liability, loss or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this information.

PER Human Resources – June 2020

Are You Ready to Bring Employees Back to Work?

Whether you have already brought some employees back to work or are just starting your planning, there are many factors to consider from workplace safety and reducing potential COVID-19 exposure, to notifying employees of their return date and changes in duties or pay, to properly handling employee requests for disability accommodations. To assist you with returning your employees back to work, we prepared a checklist with a template notice to send to employees, as well as guidance discussing key obligations employers must satisfy to ensure they are prepared to bring employees back. Access these documents below and contact our HR Professionals for additional assistance.

Checklist: Returning Employees to Work
Template Notice to Employees
Discussion on Returning Employees to Work

We are here to support you and your business

HR Myth

The HR world has no shortage of myths regarding what employers can and can’t do. Test your knowledge about reasonable accommodations.

Myth: Employees must specifically ask for a “reasonable accommodation” for a disability.

Learn the Facts

Federal/All States
CDC Does Not Recommend Using COVID-19 Antibody Testing to Make Return to Work Decisions

CDC Issues Detailed Guidelines for Reopening

DOL Changes the Retail and Service Establishment Overtime Exemption

OSHA Issues Alert on Social Distancing

STATE UPDATES
California:
California Employers Screening Employees for COVID-19 and Taking Temperatures Need a CCPA Notice

California Executive Order Creates Presumption COVID-19 Was Contracted at Work

New Jersey:
New Jersey Issued Required Workplace Poster Regarding Worker Misclassification

New York:
New York City Bans Pre-Employment Drug Testing

New York Paid Sick Leave – Employer Action Required Before September 30, 2020

Oklahoma:
Oklahoma Gives Employers Immunity from COVID-19 Employee Lawsuits

PER Human Resources – May 2020

Eighty five percent (85%) of all employment lawsuits can be prevented!

FFCRA Leave for School Closures and Child Care – What Do You Mean THAT Employee Gets It?!

Which of these employees are entitled to take Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) leave to care for their child?

A 3rd shift employee who is home during school hours.
An employee who requests leave to care for his grilfriend’s child.
An employee working from home with a 17-year old.
An employee whose child is a disabled adult.

Answer: All of them!

Read on to understand the nuances of FFCRA leave for school closures and child care so you don’t end up getting investigated by the US Department of Labor.*

(*These incidents are based on real cases. Names and other details have been changed.)

FFCRA Leave for School Closures Even During Summer Break? YES!

Are employees entitled to FFCRA leave to care for a child whose school is closed even during summer break when school would not be in session?

FEDERAL UPDATES

Returning Employees to Work

CDC Adds 6 More COVID-19 Symptoms to Watch For

EEOC: Employers Can Administer COVID-19 Test to Employees

Employer Obligations Surrounding Face Masks/Coverings in the Workplace

FFCRA Handbook Policies and Leave Request Forms

Updated: FFCRA Documentation to Support Leave and Obtain Tax Credits ce

STATE UPDATES
California
California Mandates COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave for Food Sector Workers

Connecticut:
Employer Extension for Connecticut Sexual Harassment Training

New Jersey:
Amendments to New Jersey’s Mini-WARN Act Provides Much Needed Relief to Employer’s Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Pennsylvania:
Termination in Pennsylvania New Employee Notice Requirements and EMPLOYER Relief

Testimonials

With PER you feel like family. All of the personnel are always willing to help. Every time I call, I never hang up dissatisfied. They have my back in times of distress.

Tracy - Manager - Real Estate Management Company - Orlando, Florida

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