Reproductive Loss Leave: Why Employers Should Expand Their Bereavement Policies

June 11, 2024
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While bereavement leave is not federally required in the United States, many employers voluntarily offer this benefit through a bereavement policy or paid time off (PTO) policy. Despite this, fertility-related loss—including miscarriage, stillbirth, and failed fertility treatments—is often excluded from traditional bereavement policies. But it’s time to acknowledge the emotional, physical, and psychological toll of… Read More »

PTO Cashouts: Not a Free-for-All Policy!

May 28, 2024
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As a small business owner, you might be looking for ways to manage your team’s paid time off (PTO) effectively, especially when it comes to unused days. One option that may come to mind is a PTO cashout policy.  Sounds easy, right? Just pay out employees for their unused PTO, and voila! Everyone’s happy.  Except… Read More »

How to Foster a Healthy Workplace During an Election Year

March 26, 2024
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In the 2022 Politics at Work Study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 20% of HR professionals reported heightened political volatility at work compared to 2019. And with another election approaching, things aren’t likely to cool down.  That leaves many employers wondering how the election year will impact their workplace and how to… Read More »

Labor Union Agreements: How to Stay Compliant

March 12, 2024
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So, your workforce is in the process of forming a labor union or has already unionized…now what? There is much to understand about collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and labor law compliance regarding unions.  This is a delicate area where HR and leadership must make an effort to build positive relations with unionized employees, negotiate a… Read More »

A Complete Guide to the MA Paid Family & Medical Leave + NEW Top Off Legislation

January 9, 2024
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By now, most employers and employees in the Bay State are familiar with the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which provides support for employees who need to take time off for family or medical reasons. However, new “top off” legislation went into effect on November 1, 2023, allowing employees receiving PFML benefits… Read More »

Demystifying DOL Audits: Navigating the Process with Confidence

May 18, 2023

The mere mention of a Department of Labor (DOL) audit can cause employers stress. The thought of meticulous inspections, paperwork scrutiny, and potential penalties can understandably raise anxiety levels. But a DOL audit doesn’t have to be a nightmare-inducing experience. We’re here to calm your fears and shed light on the DOL audit process, providing… Read More »

What is Workplace Retaliation & How Can Employers Prevent It?

April 25, 2023

We’ve discussed workplace discrimination and harassment and how to ensure you treat all employees fairly and avoid potential litigation. However, many employers fail to understand the complete picture of workplace retaliation—which often follows discrimination. Of course, you care about your team. You can’t imagine discriminating against them, never mind punishing them for acting within their… Read More »

How to Ensure Lawful Drug Testing for Federal Contractors

April 21, 2023

With the constant changes in marijuana legalization from state to state, employers must always be on the ball with their substance use policies. But what about drug testing for federal contractors and their employees? Employment drug testing has traditionally been a means to keep teams safe and productive and reduce liability. However, companies now have… Read More »

5 Steps to Create a Successful Open-Door Policy

April 4, 2023

Your business might say it has an open-door policy, but what does that really mean? Have you established a policy with guidelines and actively encouraged employees to take advantage of it? And are they using it? If not, your team may be nervous or uncomfortable sharing thoughts and ideas with leadership. Or are staff constantly… Read More »

Building a Culture of Respect with Political Activity & Civility Policies

March 28, 2023

As employers strive to create more welcoming and safe environments, there are two not-so-traditional policies that every forward-thinking employer should add to their employee handbooks: A Political Activity Policy and a Civility Policy. Rather than policing people’s free speech, activities, and opinions, these policies simply set guidelines for building a culture of respect and inclusivity.… Read More »