Author: Chris Ceplenski

Tips for Curbing FMLA Abuse

Combating FMLA abuse can be frustrating, but there are some straightforward actions employers can take to limit abuse before it happens. It all starts with proper administration of FMLA leave, including the use of medical certifications and recertifications as allowed within the FMLA regulations. These tools not only provide clarity for FMLA leave eligibility, but […]

Supervisor Training: When Supervisors Should Involve HR

Supervisor training is very important when it comes to ensuring that your company stays legally compliant. Getting supervisors on the same page is critical, and it’s just as important for supervisors to know when to step back and hand things over to HR. HR and the supervisors need to work together. Supervisor Roles are of […]

Supervisor Training: Preventing Sexual Harassment

Supervisor training about preventing sexual and other harassment isn’t just a smart move—it’s one that’s required by law in many states. What should supervisors be taught? Supervisor Training on Harassment: What to Include A best practice would be to use this time when supervisors are together to cover not just sexual harassment, but also all […]

Does the DOMA Ruling Affect FMLA Rights for Same-Sex Couples?

When the Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional, it opened up the possibility for married same-sex couples to be extended federal benefits on many levels, including things like FMLA leave. While the details have yet to be sorted, employers are gearing up for the many changes that will surely result. In […]

Electronic Employee Records: Pros and Cons

Electronic employee records are everywhere, whether we like it or not. Laptops, phones, servers, and even employee personal electronic devices may contain company-related information. The number of ways we have to create and store documents seems to grow by the minute. How can an employer keep track of it all? And is there still an […]

What Hiring E-Records Should You Keep?

So, you’ve made the switch to all electronic employee records: How do you know what hiring e-records to keep? In a recent BLR webinar, attorney Allen Kato tackled this topic and gave us some advice. Hiring E-Records to Keep Here are the hiring e-records to keep: Job descriptions and job postings. These should identify the […]

Q&A on Electronic Employee Records

In this digital age, employers are finding there are brand-new questions they face while trying to stay in legal compliance with employee recordkeeping requirements. For example, what constitutes a valid electronic signature? Does an answer in email count as legally-binding when it comes to confirming managerial decisions? How long do specific types of documents need […]

Employee Documentation Q&A: Job Descriptions, Performance Appraisals and Personnel Files

“Documentation can be extraordinarily helpful when it’s done completely, timely, and appropriately.” Ann Bowden-Hollis told us in a recent BLR webinar. But it can also be problematic if done improperly or without oversight. At the conclusion of the webinar, Bowden-Hollis answered participant questions including questions regarding how to address cognitive abilities in job requirements (to […]

Why Accurate Documentation in Performance Evaluations Is Important

Documentation of performance evaluations can easily become evidence against an employer in a trial, such as a wrongful termination case or a discrimination case. This fact underlines the importance of ensuring that managers and supervisors understand the legal ramifications of what goes on the record. These personnel files and performance reviews could just as easily […]

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 […]