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Q&A

When equipment must start up, when does work begin?

03/07/2013
Q. When our employees come in to work, they spend part of their time getting their equipment running. Do we need to compensate them for that time?

Is it legal to exclude out-of-state employees from our annual outing?

03/01/2013

Q. We’ve traditionally sponsored a springtime cruise for our Pennsylvania employees—mainly executives and directors. However, it will cost too much to invite our newest employees, who work in three neighboring states. Can we sponsor different events for staff in each geographical area?

How should we conduct an investigation?

03/01/2013

Q. An employee lodged a complaint about a supervisor’s misconduct. I know we’ll need to perform an investigation, but I’m not sure where to start. What’s the best way to proceed?

Worker ignores doctor’s orders: Can we discipline?

02/21/2013

Q. One of our employees who is out on workers’ comp isn’t following the treatment prescribed by the workers’ comp doctor. She fails to attend physical therapy as prescribed. She says she’s still in pain and can’t return. Our conduct policy sets progressive discipline based on different offenses. Can the failure to abide by the doctor’s orders be included as a violation? 

Are there special California rules that dictate how we use employment applications?

02/20/2013
Q. Are we required to use an application for prospective applicants and if so, what information must we in­­clude? What information should we leave off our application?

How does California law affect hiring?

02/20/2013
Q. For the first time in a while, we need to hire new staff. What issues should we take into account during the recruiting process?

We’re starting a wellness program: Any caveats?

02/20/2013
Q. In an effort to encourage our employees to make healthy lifestyle choices, we plan to offer an employee wellness program starting this summer. Is there anything we need to be careful about?

Must we accommodate a bike courier who can no longer ride a bike?

02/20/2013
Q. We run a courier service delivering time-sensitive documents around the Twin Cities by bicycle. Recently, an employee broke her leg while skiing. Now she is unable to perform her job as bicycle courier. Do we have to put her in a different job while her leg is in a cast?

Is left-handedness a real disability?

02/20/2013
Q. An employee recently complained that we have failed to accommodate his left-handedness. He argued that all our desks are constructed for right-handed people. To accommodate his left-handedness, he is requesting an expensive new piece of office furniture. Do we have to accommodate him?

Degree is required, but can a raise hinge on it?

02/15/2013

Q. A job description says “a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience” is required. An employee in that job has proven he can do everything the job description entails and then some. Is it legal to tell him the raise (within reason) cannot be justified to the board of directors be­­cause he doesn’t have a college degree?