Tag: ADA

ADA Bipolar—Medication Side Effects Must Be Accommodated

Yesterday’s Advisor offered symptoms of bipolar disorder and how they play out in the workplace; today, bipolar medication side effects, plus an introduction to the updated guide that gives practical advice for dealing with all manner of ADA challenges. Medications for Treating Bipolar Disorder It is often challenging to find the right combination of medications […]

6 Tips for More Effective Training Lectures

Lectures are still probably the most common classroom training method. That’s because they are an efficient and cost-effective way to convey information and general knowledge to large groups of employees at one time. For example, lectures are a particularly good way to explain new policies, train employees in the requirements of laws and regulations, and […]

Bipolar Employees: Brightest Star One Day, Worst Nightmare the Next

Bipolar disorder presents one of the trickiest challenges in accommodation. It’s doubly ticklish because it often combines your greatest star with your biggest problem—all in one person, says expert Tom Wootton. We have no accurate statistics regarding the prevalence of bipolar disorder in the workplace, especially because it is often hidden due to stigma, says […]

Section 503 Hiring Goal for Contractors Effective in March

The U.S. Department of Labor will finalize new Section 503 regulations Sept. 24, according to the Office of the Federal Register. The rules create several new responsibilities for federal contractors and subcontractors, including a mandate that they aim to have workers with disabilities make up 7 percent of their workforces. If the rules are published […]

When Can You ‘Clarify’ or ‘Authenticate’ an FMLA Cert?

Authentication and Clarification of Medical Certifications Employers are entitled to authenticate or clarify information received on a medical certification form. It is important to note that the definitions of what constitutes permissible authentication and clarification are very limited. “Authentication” means providing the healthcare provider with a copy of the medical certification and requesting verification that […]

Employer Q&A on Disabilities, Drugs and the ADA

Can an employer legally terminate an employee who is permanently disabled and can no longer perform the essential job functions? Do Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protections apply to all employees immediately, or must they be employed with the company for a certain amount of time first? What can employers ask when it comes to […]

When is Cancer a Disability?

Is cancer considered to be a disability when it comes to ADA protections? The short answer is yes. The longer answer will depend on the specific circumstances of the employee. So, when is cancer a disability? It will be when: Cancer or its side effects substantially limits one or more of a person’s major life […]

Cancer as a Disability: The Interactive Process to Accommodation

“One of the key factors of the ADA is not only the non-discrimination component, but the requirement that an employer reasonably accommodate the individual with a disability – in this case, someone who has been diagnosed with cancer.” Jonathan R. Mook explained in a recent BLR webinar. The duty to accommodate is a very broad […]

EEOC Sues Popeye’s for Failing to Hire Applicant with HIV

A Popeye’s chicken franchise refused to hire a job applicant because he was HIV-positive, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has alleged in a lawsuit. Famous Chicken of Shreveport, LLC, a company that owns several Popeye’s Chicken restaurants, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, the EEOC’s suit alleges. The general manager of a Longview, Texas, […]

Our 9 Essential HR Skills—Do You Agree?

[Go here for skills 1 to 5] HR Manager’s Key Skill #6—Discrete and Ethical HR professionals are the conscience of the company, as well as the keepers of confidential information. As you serve the needs of top management, you also monitor their actions toward employees to be sure that policies and regulations are followed. You […]