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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 of Manufacturing Facility Leads to $158,051 in Penalties for OSHA Violations
A recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has revealed concerning safety violations in a manufacturing facility, serving as a crucial reminder for small and midsize business owners about the importance of compliance with federal safety standards....
Importance of Protecting Employee Information as Privacy and Cybersecurity Laws Proliferate
By Jason C. Gavejian & Joseph J. Lazzarotti with Jackson Lewis P.C Most human resources professionals are concerned about the privacy and security of the vast amounts of personal information they manage. This article discusses steps to consider taking against...
What Is Earned Wage Access for Employees?
Earned wage access (EWA) is a term often heard among employers in the retail and hospitality industries. EWA may be referred to as instant pay, earned income, early wage access, accrued wage access, or on-demand pay. In the UK, the product is referred to by the...
Horse Trainer to Pay $205,000 in DOL Penalties
Small and midsize business owners should be vigilant when it comes to complying with employment laws. A recent case involving a horse training business serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of non-compliance with federal worker programs. The U.S. Department...
Wire Drawing Company Faces $299,339 in Penalties for OSHA Violations
In a recent federal investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) discovered severe safety violations at a Texas wire drawing company. The investigation revealed that a wire drawing company, willfully exposed its...
HR Compliance Update | October 13, 2023
FEDERAL UPDATES Federal Contractors. The minimum wage for certain federal contractors with contracts entered into, renewed or extended on or after 1/30/22 will increase to $17.20 effective January 1, 2024. Affected contractors include those with: Procurement...
Fast-Food Franchise Operators Charged With $61,012 in FLSA Penalties: What Small Business Owners Should Know
In a recent series of investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has revealed concerning violations of child labor laws by operators of fast food franchises in South Carolina. The investigations found that 91 minors under the age of 16 were illegally employed,...
Strategies for Effective Recruitment: Leveraging Employee Networks and Industry Engagement
Recruiting the right talent is a constant challenge for businesses, and it often requires thinking outside the box. In this article, we'll explore unconventional yet highly effective recruitment strategies, including tapping into your existing employee network, active...
Security Business Fined $47,000 in DOL Overtime Violations
Security workers often grapple with challenging tasks while earning a median national wage of just $15.13 per hour. However, for 58 workers in the security industry, justice is on the horizon as the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) steps in to recover their rightful...
Mushroom Farm Faces $74,000 in Penalties for DOL Violations
Small and midsize business owners, it's essential to stay informed about the potential penalties that can result from violating employment laws. A recent case involving mushroom farms in Washington serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of non-compliance,...
Construction Company Fined $334,618 for OSHA Violations
A recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) shed light on a disconcerting pattern of safety violations by a contractor with a concerning history of workplace safety breaches dating back to 2015. The DOL inspectors found that twice within a span of...
The Remote Work Revolution: Understanding Why Commuting May Become Obsolete For Many
The landscape of work has undergone a profound transformation in recent times, driven by the rise of remote work. As employees adapted to remote work during the pandemic, many found that they could maintain high levels of productivity while working from the comfort of...
The Strategic Significance of Employee Handbooks in Onboarding
In the world of small businesses, where growth and sustainability are paramount, every element of employee management counts. Surprisingly, the 2023 Asure HR benchmark report unveiled a striking statistic: 40% of companies that experienced zero growth in the past year...
DOL Recovers $77,627 in Back Wages from Technology Support Company for Misclassifying Workers
In a recent investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has successfully recovered $77,627 in wages and benefits for 10 workers employed by a Virginia-based information technology support company. The company, under contract with the U.S. Marine Corps and tasked...
Proposed Changes to FLSA: What Employers Need to Know
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a cornerstone of labor law in the United States, governing wage standards, minimum wage, and employee classifications. It's a crucial piece of legislation for employers and employees alike. In this article, we'll delve into the...
The Silent Architects of Retirement Security: Delving into the World of Recordkeepers
In the vast and complex landscape of retirement planning, navigating through the myriad of processes and transactions can often resemble traversing through a dense, intricate forest. Amidst this wilderness, recordkeepers emerge as the silent, vigilant guardians,...
USCIS Increases Validity Period of Employment Authorization Documents
By Amy L. Peck with Jackson Lewis P.C. USCIS is increasing the maximum validity period to five years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain categories of applicants, including noncitizens with pending adjustment of status...
Dentist to Pay $20,000 for Violating DOL Whistleblower Provisions
Small and midsize business owners, it's critical to understand the significant penalties that can arise from violating employment laws, especially when it comes to safeguarding employees' rights and safety. A recent case involving a dentist serves as a stark reminder...
What Is the ERC Gross Receipts Test?
ERC (also known as ERTC) is a refundable tax credit giving businesses up to $26,000 per employee on their payroll. There are a number of ways to qualify for the credit, including the ERC gross receipts test. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a payroll tax refund...
Landscape Contractor Fined $103,744 in Back Wages and Damages for FLSA Violations
A recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) highlights a crucial aspect of wage compliance that every business owner, particularly small and midsize enterprises, should take heed of. The DOL's Wage and Hour Division recently recovered a substantial sum of...
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