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North Carolina

Is it time to overhaul your vacation policies?

08/07/2009

Take a look around your workplace. How many of your co-workers spent all summer right there at their stations? Maybe they took a long weekend or two, but otherwise they showed up day in and day out. It might be time to make those drudges get out and go on vacation.

Dust off your benefits policies: More mandates may be on the way

08/06/2009

The federal government has slowly been introducing laws that force employers across the country to provide employee benefits: for example, the FMLA, USERRA and the ADA. Now Congress is considering several legislative initiatives that would require employers to provide additional benefits.

How to legally manage pregnancy and maternity leaves

07/28/2009

When an employee announces she’s pregnant, it’s important for HR and supervisors to know what they must do—and what they can’t do (or say) under federal anti-discrimination and leave laws. Most employers must comply with the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the FMLA. The ADA may apply if pregnancy complications arise.

Economy stimulates interest in government employment

07/27/2009

The recession’s battering of the private sector isn’t the only thing driving job applicants to consider government employment, according to a new survey by CarerBuilder.com. Job-seekers also know that government agencies are among the few employers with budgets that might go up.

Small business employees’ morale went up during 2Q

07/27/2009

A survey of small business leaders performed by California-based TriNet Group says employee morale at small businesses was up or holding steady in the second quarter of 2009, according to 75% of respondents.

Update your policies: North Carolina bans texting while driving

07/27/2009

Cell phones, BlackBerries, iPods, iPhones and GPS devices—even laptop computers—all offer important travel information and productive work connectivity for employees on the go. But using those devices while operating a vehicle is also dangerous. That’s why North Carolina recently passed a law, effective Dec. 1, making it unlawful for a person operating a motor vehicle to send text or e-mail messages while the vehicle is in motion.

What should we do? A contract refers to both ‘termination for cause’ and ‘at-will’ employment

07/27/2009

Q. We need to fire an employee who has an employment contract that limits termination without notice to “for cause” events. Must we abide by this provision if another provision in the contract clearly indicates that his employment is “at will” only?

Can a former employee demand that we pay her for unused vacation and sick leave?

07/27/2009

Q. A former employee is demanding pay for her unused vacation and sick leave. Must we pay her?

What should I consider when updating our noncompete agreements?

07/27/2009

Q. The employment and noncompete agreements we have with our salespeople are several years old and appear outdated to me. May I require everyone to sign new, updated agreements?

Employee filed EEOC suit? Stifle your anger

07/24/2009

Just heard an employee has filed an EEOC complaint against your company? Whatever you do, don’t lash out in anger! It’s one of the worst things you can do. Raising your voice, making threats or otherwise showing your displeasure are surefire recipes for more litigation.