In The News

PER Human Resources – August 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!

Requiring Employees to Quarantine After Personal Travel

Felicity, an employee, went on a pre-planned vacation midst the pandemic. Brooke, the manager, wants Felicity to quarantine away from their place of business for 14 days when she returns.*

Can Brooke make that requirement?
How does Felicity manage the financial effects of being away from work for vacation AND quarantine?

Read on to learn our HR Professionals advice.

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

Can an employer require employees get tested for COVID-19?

It depends.

Learn More

FEDERAL UPDATES
Department of Labor has Issued New FMLA Forms

Generalized Fear of COVID-19 Does Not Justify Work Refusals

STATE UPDATES
Colorado:
ACTION REQUIRED: Colorado Mandates Paid Sick Leave

Florida:
Florida Requires E-Verify for Some Private Employers

New York:
ACTION REMINDER: New York Paid Sick Leave

South Carolina:
South Carolina Enacts Lactation Support Act

Virginia:
Virginia Requires Employer Action to Control Spread of COVID-19

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 – July 2020

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

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

Testimonials

PER provides solutions for my administrative questions and frustrations. The HR department has really helped my company to run like a well oiled machine.

Jim - President - Window Repairs - Orlando, Florida

More Testimonials