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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has created an online tool to help workers determine whether they qualify for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The tool works by posing a series of questions that help employees assess whether the paid leave provisions of…

Download PDF Many employers seek the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace, but struggle to overcome challenges such as bias. While most leaders and most employees strive to make fair decisions and avoid unfair judgments, there exists the possibility that bias impacts some workplaces. Employers may be able to help mitigate bias in a…

Q: May an employer administer a COVID-19 test on employees prior to their entering the workplace? A: Yes. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires that medical tests be "job related and consistent with business necessity". Because allowing an employee who has COVID-19 enter the workplace could pose a threat to other employees, COVID-19 testing…

Even as stay-at-home orders and restrictions are lifted, daily operations won’t be business-as-usual for many across the country. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still going on, despite businesses reopening. Moreover, public health officials and experts are warning of a potential second wave of COVID-19 cases. Of course, no one knows if or when a second…

There’s no denying that virtual meetings have become a workplace norm. Several factors fueling that growth include access, price and need. Most laptops, tablets and smartphones have built-in webcams and microphones so employees can dial in to a virtual meeting from anywhere and at any time. These technology advancements have created affordable and easy-to-use tools…

You found a great job candidate, but now they aren’t responding to your calls and emails about an interview. Your new hire never showed up for their first day. An employee left work one day and never returned. These are all examples of ghosting in the workplace—abruptly ending communication without explanation. What Is Ghosting? Ghosting…

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued new model notices for group health plan administrators to use to comply with COBRA notification requirements, the agency announced on May 1, 2020. Although plan administrators are not required to use the updated model notices, the DOL generally considers their use—with the addition of appropriate plan information—to…

Among other measures aimed at easing student loan burdens during the coronavirus pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes a provision that temporarily allows employers to make tax-free payments of up to $5,250 toward their employees’ student loans. Under this provision, employer payments toward their employees’ qualified educational loans between…

May will be an important month in our continuing battle with COVID-19. Effective May 4th, Missouri Governor Parson updated our state order and we will begin a phased approach to reopening our state. The City of Springfield and Greene County also issued new orders effective May 4th. Here’s what to expect on May 4th and…

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which goes into effect on April 2, 2020. The new law imposes sweeping new emergency paid leave and expanded family medical leave requirements for employers nationwide. Here is a summary of the key provisions affecting employers: EMERGENCY PAID SICK LEAVE…