Category: HR Q&A

Q&A: What is mentoring in the workplace?

Mentoring is a professional relationship between a senior or more experienced employee (the mentor) and a newer or less experienced one (the mentee). The mentor shares their knowledge and experience, offering guidance, advice, feedback, and encouragement. The mentee, for their part, can go to their mentor with personal and professional goals, questions, and frustrations. Mentorship […]

Q&A: We’ve had a request for a religious accommodation, but I think the employee wants to get out of following the policy for other reasons. How do I determine whether a religious belief is legitimate and sincerely held?

Q&A: We’ve had a request for a religious accommodation, but I think the employee wants to get out of following the policy for other reasons. How do I determine whether a religious belief is legitimate and sincerely held?

Ordinarily, you should assume that an employee’s request for a religious accommodation is based on a sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice. The definition of religion is broad and protects beliefs, observances, and practices you may not be familiar with. That said, if you have an objective basis for doubting either the religious nature […]

Q&A: We’re not bound by any law requiring us to conduct background checks, but we choose to do them for all new hires. Should we also do them when we rehire an employee?

Q&A: We’re not bound by any law requiring us to conduct background checks, but we choose to do them for all new hires. Should we also do them when we rehire an employee?

It’s up to you. Conducting a background check when hiring a former employee would keep the process simple and straightforward. Every exception you add to a process gives you something else to remember – and potentially forget! That said, you could instead establish a time limit between an employee’s termination date and rehire date – […]

Q&A: Do we need to review every application before moving forward with interviews and making a job offer?

Q&A: Do we need to review every application before moving forward with interviews and making a job offer?

The short answer is no. There’s no legal requirement to review all the applications before moving forward, and you can always return to the applicants who applied later to review them if needed. Having said that, we do recommend reviewing every application. Doing so ensures you don’t miss out on potentially excellent candidates who might […]

Q&A: How can we show employees that their feedback is heard and valued?

Q&A: How can we show employees that their feedback is heard and valued?

First, thank them. This lets the employee know you received their input and that you appreciate their taking the time and energy to give it. If you plan to act on the feedback and employee assistance is feasible, ask the person or people who suggested the change if they’d like to be involved in executing […]

Q&A: What is Mentoring in the Workplace?

Q&A: What is Mentoring in the Workplace?

Mentoring is a professional relationship between a senior or more experienced employee (the mentor) and a newer or less experienced one (the mentee). The mentor shares their knowledge and experience, offering guidance, advice, feedback, and encouragement. The mentee, for their part, can go to their mentor with personal and professional goals, questions, and frustrations. Mentorship […]

Q&A: Can We Ask Employees About Their Medications?

Q&A: Can We Ask Employees About Their Medications?

Generally, no. The Americans with Disabilities Act restricts employers from asking medical questions of employees and protects the privacy of medical information. Asking about prescription medications would fall into the category of a medical-related inquiry and should only be done if job related and consistent with business necessity. For such an inquiry to be job […]

Q&A: Can We Store Form I-9 Documentation Electronically?

Q&A: Can We Store Form I-9 Documentation Electronically?

Yes, you can store completed Forms I-9 electronically. However, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, any electronic storage system must include the following: • Reasonable controls to ensure the system’s integrity, accuracy, and reliability. For instance, you would need to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the records and have a backup plan […]

Q&A: Company Holiday Party Best Practices

Q&A: Company Holiday Party Best Practices

A holiday party can be a great way to celebrate the year with employees, but it can come with risks. We recommend the following best practices: • Unless you intend to pay employees for their time at the event, make attendance optional. Employees should not feel pressured in any way to attend.Avoid conducting any work-related […]