Human Resources

Texas to Reinstate Work-Search Requirement for Unemployment Benefits

As COVID-19 continues spreading, the Texas Workforce Commission says out-of-work Texans will have to prove they are searching for work to receive unemployment benefits beginning July 6. Texans receiving unemployment benefits will once again have to prove they have searched for jobs or tried to reopen...

22 June, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Can we deny an employee’s use of accrued vacation time?

Yes, the decision to approve or deny the use of accrued vacation time is up to you, assuming you do so in a consistent and non-discriminatory manner. It would be acceptable, for example, to deny a vacation request because approving it would leave you without...

19 June, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Can We Screen Employees Returning to Work for COVID-19?

Yes. Generally, inquiries about an employee’s health or a medical exam (like a temperature check) would not be allowed, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated that screening employees for symptoms of COVID-19 is allowed since it is a direct threat to others...

05 June, 2020

Telecommuting, Coronavirus and You

Usually, when companies begin moving from an office-based to a virtual model, they do it gradually, with plenty of planning and training. However, thanks to COVID-19, many businesses are seeing the need to quickly empty out offices and send everyone home to keep the virus from...

03 June, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Do we still have to provide emergency paid sick leave or expanded FMLA if we lay off or furlough employees?

Do we still have to provide emergency paid sick leave or expanded FMLA if we lay off or furlough employees? No. Employers who are closed — either due to lack of business or a state or local order — do not have to provide these leaves....

29 May, 2020

Retool, Retrench, and Rebuild: A Framework for Managing Your Workforce Through Uncertainty

Pivoting in Uncertain Times Uncertainty is uncomfortable—and inspirational. Companies across America are pivoting to meet new demand and rethink operations. They combine creativity, determination, and technology to retool, retrench and rebuild. New production lines, online shops, takeout, curbside service, home delivery, remote work, drive-by clinics and...

26 May, 2020

COVID-19 and Workers’ Compensation

Employers and workers would all like a simple set of rules that describe how the pandemic affects the workers' compensation system. However, the system is very much in flux and is subject to widely varying state rules. Is COVID-19 Subject to Workers' Comp? The answer is …...

25 May, 2020

From the HR Support Center: Can we reduce pay because of economic slowdown due to COVID-19?

You can reduce an employee's rate of pay based on business or economic slowdown, provided that this is not done retroactively. For instance, if you give employees notice that their pay will change on the 10th, and your payroll period runs from the 1st through...

22 May, 2020

How You Can Support the Mental Health of Your Employees During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. People have experienced financial hardship, additional challenges with childcare and school cancellations, job loss, reduced hours, sickness, and grief. The future is uncertain, and the present is extra stressful. And to make matters worse,...

21 May, 2020

EEOC Releases Extensive COVID-19 Guidance

In early May, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission published extensive guidance for employers and employees on how various laws and regulations apply to the pandemic. Below are some highlights, but it's a good idea to review the entire page. Can an ADA-covered employer take the body...

19 May, 2020