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Question: We’ve been both super busy and understaffed recently. Is there anything we can do during this time to help our employees avoid extra stress or burnout before we can hire more employees? Answer: Yes. Here are a few things you can do to make this time run as smoothly and stress-free as possible: Remove
Question: When does the I-9 need to be completed? Answer: All new employees must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 on or before their first day of employment. Then, within three business days of their start date, they should submit acceptable proof of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. As the
Question: What is a workweek? Is it just our hours of operation? Answer: A workweek is not the same thing as your hours of operation. Rather, it defines the 168-hour period (i.e., seven 24-hour days) in which you track your non-exempt employees’ time to determine whether they’re owed any overtime premium pay. The workweek can
In this edition of Dear David, learn the practices that give you peace of mind and give your remote employees autonomy. Question: What are effective ways to manage remote employees and monitor their work? Answer: Managing remote employees can certainly be a challenge. Here are some of the practices we recommend: Set measurable goals around quality
Question: When should we run background checks of applicants and current employees? Answer: Background Checks on Prospective Employee A best practice is to conduct an applicant background check after a conditional offer of employment has been made. While it may be legal in some states to perform a background check before the employment offer is made,
Question: Can we ask an applicant why they are leaving their current job? Answer: Yes, you can ask applicants why they are leaving their current job. The employment application is a good place to collect this information. In the section where the applicant lists their previous employment experience, you can ask for the reason they
Question: Prohibiting Personal Phone Use During Work Hours — Is This Okay? Answer: Yes, you can limit or prohibit the use of personal devices during work hours. Employees can be expected to give their undivided attention to the work you pay them to perform. If that means phones need to be silenced or put away,
Question: We recently made some changes to our handbook policies regarding benefits offered to employees and have a disclaimer stating, “The Company reserves the exclusive right to change or terminate any benefits or related policy at any time in accordance with applicable law.” Are we required to have employees sign a new acknowledgement of the
Question: Some of our employees have said they don’t feel safe returning to work. Can we just permanently replace them? Answer: We recommend caution when deciding to replace an employee who refuses to work because of concerns about COVID-19. Here are few things to keep in mind:Â Recalled employees may have a right to job-protected
Question: We recently made some changes to our handbook policies regarding benefits offered to employees and have a disclaimer stating, “The Company reserves the exclusive right to change or terminate any benefits or related policy at any time in accordance with applicable law.” Are we required to have employees sign a new acknowledgement of the
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