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Common FMLA Violations Every Employer Should Avoid
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is designed to protect employees who need time away from work for serious health conditions, family care, or certain military-related reasons. But for employers, the rules can be complex—and even small missteps can lead to...
Common FMLA Violations Every Employer Should Avoid
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is designed to protect employees who need time away from work for serious health conditions, family care, or certain military-related reasons. But for employers, the rules can be complex—and even small missteps can lead to...
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How to Deny PTO Requests Fairly—Without Hurting Morale or Violating the Law
How to Deny PTO Requests Fairly—Without Hurting Morale or Breaking the Law
Denying a PTO request is never ideal—but sometimes it’s necessary to maintain operations or stay compliant with company policies and labor laws. The key is to handle it with fairness, transparency, and empathy. Start by reviewing your PTO policy and legal obligations to ensure the denial is justified and nondiscriminatory. Consider whether alternative solutions—like split time off or adjusted dates—are possible.
When communicating a denial, be prompt and clear. Reference the relevant policy, explain the business rationale, and offer alternative options when possible. Always document your decision to ensure consistency and legal protection.
An outsourced HR partner can help simplify this process by providing policy support, communication templates, and expert guidance—ensuring your managers stay compliant and employees feel respected.
With the right approach, denying time off doesn’t have to damage morale—it can reinforce trust in your leadership and show that fairness drives decisions.
DOL Investigation Recovers $419,615 in Unpaid Wages and Damages for 21 Workers of Grocery Wholesaler
A recent federal investigation has shed light on employment violations at a grocery wholesaler, emphasizing the importance of adhering to labor laws and ensuring fair compensation for workers. A grocery wholesaler, has been ordered by the U.S. Department of Labor...
Cement Manufacturer Faces $62,500 in OSHA Penalties After Employee Death
In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the paramount importance of workplace safety, a recent federal investigation has unveiled a preventable tragedy that occurred at a leading cement manufacturer. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health...
Higher Enforcement Activity Expected After DOL-EEOC Partnership Agreement
By Michael H. Neifach & Thomas L. Petriccione with Jackson Lewis P.C. Body The Department of Labor (DOL) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have announced they will be collaborating and sharing information to improve their enforcement efforts....
Manufacturer Fined $298,000 in OSHA Penalties: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Ensuring a safe and compliant workplace is of paramount importance for every business, regardless of size or industry. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently highlighted the consequences of failing to address safety hazards within the workplace. An engine...
DOL Recovers $153,768 in Retirement Funds for 4 Employees of Environmental Company
A recent legal development highlights the importance for all businesses, particularly small and midsize enterprises, to prioritize compliance with retirement fund regulations and employee benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has secured a default judgment to...
DOL Investigation of Tech Consulting Business Leads to a $46,731 Fine for 401(k) Contribution Violations
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has taken legal action against a technology consulting company based in Minnesota, shedding light on the critical importance of remitting employee retirement plan contributions as required by law. The DOL filed a lawsuit on August...
DOL Sues Pipe Company for Firing Whistleblower: What Small Businesses Can Learn
In a recent case, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has highlighted the importance of adhering to federal employment laws, particularly focusing on whistleblower protections. The DOL initiated a lawsuit against a pipe company, accusing the manufacturer of violating...
DOL Demands $174,751 in Back Wages from Home Healthcare Business for 50 Caregivers
In a recent case, the DOL successfully recovered $174,751 in back wages for 50 caregivers working for a home healthcare business. The violation in question involved the failure to pay overtime to these workers, underscoring the importance of compliance with employment...
$545,853 in Penalties for Tile Manufacturer After DOL Investigation
An Ohio-based vinyl tile manufacturer, is under scrutiny once again for its repeated failure to ensure the safety of its workers. This recent episode has resulted in a staggering $545,853 in federal penalties after investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor...
How Different Sectors Approach 401(k) Retirement Planning
Retirement planning, while universally essential, manifests differently across diverse industries. Each sector, influenced by its unique challenges and opportunities, molds a distinct approach to 401(k) plans. This comprehensive exploration dives deeper into the...
DOL Investigation Recovers $215,000 in Back Wages and Penalties for Restaurant Operators
In a stern warning to small and midsize business owners, a recent U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) investigation in New Hampshire has resulted in the recovery of $215,675 in back wages and liquidated damages for 47 workers who were denied overtime pay and subjected to...
EEOC Sues Hotel and Casino Owner for Sexual Harassment: What Business Owners Should Know
Small and midsize business owners should be keenly aware of the legal and financial consequences associated with failing to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace. A recent lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)...
Contractor Faces Manslaughter Charge and $449,583 in OSHA Penalties After Failing to Protect Employees
A tragic incident in 2021 highlights the critical need for businesses, especially small and midsize contractors, to prioritize workplace safety and adhere to federal regulations. The case involves a trench collapse that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old worker,...
DOL Fines Local Restaurant Owners $220,080 in Back Wages and Damages
In recent years, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has been actively enforcing employment laws to ensure fair treatment of employees. One notable case involved a Maine bar and grill where 36 workers were not paid their wages properly, overtime was avoided through...
EEOC Files Multiple Lawsuits Against Restaurant Managers for Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
Small and midsize business owners need to be acutely aware of the significant consequences associated with workplace harassment and discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently filed two separate lawsuits against a restaurant and...
Challenge Everything: Fostering a Culture of Curiosity and Excellence
In the realm of organizational success, there's an often-overlooked rule that holds tremendous transformative power: "Challenge Everything." This rule may appear daunting, especially when applied to employees at various levels within an organization. However,...
Construction Contractor Fined $262,977 for OSHA Violations
A recent federal workplace safety investigation has brought to light alarming safety violations by a Texas-based contractor, shedding light on the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent tragic accidents in the workplace. Asure’s HR experts...
Navigating the New Normal: Rethinking Management and Team Dynamics in the Virtual World
The shift towards remote work has brought about a fundamental change in the way businesses operate. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers are now faced with the challenge of adapting to this new normal. It's crucial to understand that transitioning to a virtual...
DOL Recovers $540,221 in FLSA Penalties from Farm Labor Contractors
In a recent revelation, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has successfully recovered $540,221 in wages for 268 H-2A workers from a father and son, operating as North Carolina farm labor contractors. The violations by the farm labor contractors included failing to pay...
HR Compliance Update | October 23, 2023
FEDERAL UPDATES EEO-1 Reporting: The portal finally opens on October 31, with a deadline for reporting on December 5. An updated version of the instruction booklet/FAQs has been posted on the EEOC website. Reporting can only be done through the online portal –...
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