Can Companies Require an Annual Physical, Alcohol Test and/or Prescription Drug List?
Can you require an annual physical? An alcohol test? A prescription list? Generally, NO, NO, and NO! All employers should be aware of the EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Examinations which has very strict guidelines for these...
What is the DREAMER Policy?
President Obama has enforced the DREAM Policy through an executive order ceasing deporting undocumented youth and ordered U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to grant them employment authorization. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, this will impact up to 1.4...
Background Check Guidance Just Changed! Now What?
For years background checks have played a vital role in determining safety and security for all employees in a workplace. Now employers may have to indicate why they did not hire an applicant with a criminal record. April 2012 the Equal Employment Opportunity...
Reclassifying Workers Properly – IRS is Giving Employers a Break!
Many businesses can now resolve past worker classification issues at a low cost by voluntarily reclassifying their workers. Better yet, they don’t have to wait for an IRS audit to do so. By prospectively reclassifying workers, making a minimal payment and meeting a...
Maryland Enacts Country’s First Social Media Password Law
The state of Maryland is the first to enact a media password law, signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley, on May 2, 2012. This new law prohibits employers from requesting the social media passwords or accessing the social media accounts of prospective and current employees....
IRS Spotlights Expanded Tax Credit for Hiring Veterans, Credit for Providing Health Care Coverage to Employees and Tax Relief
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expanded tax credits for hiring veterans and the credit for employer-provided health care coverage can provide tax savings to eligible small businesses when they file their 2012 federal income tax returns. Expanded Tax Credit for...
2012 SHRM Talent Managment Conference Article
After presenting at the 2012 SHRM Talent Management Conference last May I was interviewed by Rebecca R. Hastings, SPHR, an online editor/manager for SHRM. To attract, retain and engage Hispanics and Latinos, employers need to understand the common—and...
The Four Stages of Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is a process that helps companies focus on how to succeed for the future. Every company, large or small, should participate in the strategic planning process at least every three years. This planning will help you, your customers and employees...
