Question: If our company closes due to inclement weather, are we required to pay employees? Can we require PTO use? The answer depends on whether the employees are exempt or non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempt employees must still be paid when you close due to inclement weather. Non-exempt employees, however, only need […]
HR Girlfriends
HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.
Q&A: Can We Prohibit Visible Tattoos?
Question: We’re thinking of requiring employees to keep tattoos covered. Is this something we can do? What considerations should we make? Yes, you may prohibit visible tattoos entirely or you may simply prohibit those that are offensive, distracting, inappropriate, or over a certain size. Tattoo policies usually depend on the culture of the workplace and […]
Affirmation: I Will Not Pay Attention to Mental Chatter
We all have a constant companion that never shuts up. The mental chatter in our heads starts when we wake up and is still going when we go to sleep. It’s even active during our dreams. Unfortunately, this never-ending stream of thought can be damaging over time. Fortunately, with understanding and objectivity, the impact of […]
Career Mondays: Steer Your Career In A Clear And Positive Direction
Your career is like a ship and you’re the captain. You can drift along or take command to guide it in a clear and positive direction. These are some suggestions for setting your course and sticking to it so you so wind up where you want to go. Setting a Course for Your Career Conduct […]
Q&A: Are We Required to Provide Additional Smoke Breaks?
Question: Do we have to give employees who smoke additional smoke breaks or allow them to return to work smelling strongly of smoke? We’ve received complaints from both other employees and customers. Answer from Emily, PHR: No, you’re not required to provide additional breaks to employees who smoke, and you also don’t have to tolerate […]
Career Mondays: How to Discover the Career of Your Dreams
Do you work in a career that doesn’t satisfy you? It’s easy to feel stuck because your job is providing you with security. It’s a scary thing to leave that security for the pursuit of your passion! At the same time, there are steps you can take today to build the career you truly desire. […]
Q&A: Harassment Investigation – How To Figure It Out
We suspect that one of our employees harassed another, but we only have their conflicting stories to go on—no witnesses, video, or emails. The accuser’s account of the incident seems much more credible than that of the accused. Can we discipline with only this information? Answer from Monica, SPHR, SHRM-CP: Probably. It would be a […]
Affirmation: 8 Things I Can Do Each Day to Enhance My Self-Development
Some things matter more than others. Since your time is so limited, it’s wise to use your time as effectively as possible. You can’t do everything, but you can do the things that matter the most. Fortunately, many of the most important things are also easy to do. If you’re serious about taking your self-development […]
Career Mondays! 7 Success Tips For Changing Careers
Weather forecasters can’t reliably predict the weather three days from now. How is a 22-year old supposed to pick the right career for the next 40-plus years? Most of us will contemplate a career change at some point. It might be a conscious decision or the loss of a job might be the genesis of […]
Q&A: When does the I-9 need to be completed?
All new employees must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 on or before their first day of employment. Then, within three business days of their start date, they should submit acceptable proof of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. As the employer, you should complete Section 2 within those same three […]