Tag: disability

Disabilities: How Should We Deal With an Employee We Think Is Mentally Ill?

We have an employee with what I think are mental health problems. The person has angry outbursts—not violent exactly, but pretty wild when they happen. My question is, how do we approach this person? I don’t think I should be saying, “Hey, I think you have manic depression,” but I don’t know what approach is […]

Drugs & Alcohol: Do I Have to Interview an Applicant Who Takes Medical Marijuana?

One of our current employees has referred a friend for employment under our employee referral program, which rewards employees who refer applicants if we end up hiring them. The employee mentioned that the friend uses marijuana for medical purposes. I don’t really want to consider this person because we are a drug-free workplace, but I’m […]

Discrimination: EEOC Says Job Bias Complaints Are Up

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has reported that it received 75,768 discrimination complaints against private-sector employers in 2006, up from 75,428 complaints in 2005. The increase is the first since 2002, and complaints alleging pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment of men hit all-time highs. All charge categories edged up from 2005 figures, with […]

Leave Management: How Do We Handle Benefits for Employees on FMLA?

Our office pays a set amount for employee health benefits. Expenses beyond that amount (generally spouse and/or dependent coverage) are the employee’s responsibility and are deducted from the employee’s paychecks. If an employee is out on pregnancy leave or FMLA and there are no paychecks from which to deduct the employee share of the premium, […]

Hiring: Can We Reject an Applicant with a Large Scar?

We have a delicate situation that comes up from time to time. We hire service representatives for work at our customer service desk. We want to be fair in our hiring, but last week we had someone with a large scar on her face apply. We’re concerned that our customers will be put off by […]

Sexual Orientation: New Law Expands Protections

Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed S.B. 1441, which expands discrimination protections for individuals in programs or activities conducted, operated, or administered by the state or state agency, or that’s funded directly by the state, or receives any financial assistance from the state. This includes programs such as workers’ compensation and unemployment and disability insurance. Join us […]

Short Takes: Pregnancy Leave

Does pregnancy leave have to be paid? Our HR Management & Compliance Report: How To Comply with California and Federal Leave Laws, covers everything you need to know to stay in compliance with both state and federal law in one of the trickiest areas of compliance for even the most experienced HR professional. Learn the […]

Deductions from Pay: When Exempt Employees Take Time Off for Personal Reasons, Can We Deduct from Their Pay?

When employees take time off of work for doctor’s appointments, we expect them to make up the time. If they don’t, we deduct from their paychecks for the hours they are gone. Some exempt employees have complained about this practice. I thought if they take personal time, we could deduct. Are our deductions legal? What […]