Mental illness, burnout widespread in workforce
Last month was Mental Health Awareness month, but there has been an increased incidence of behavioral health symptoms since the start of the pandemic. Be observant and take steps to offer support to your employees who need assistance. In the U.S., we work hard and...
Requiring COVID-19 vaccinations could be tricky
A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. employers plan to require employees to prove they have been vaccinated for COVID-19. But employers must proceed with caution to avoid violating an individual’s right to refuse to be vaccinated because of a medical...
Five top HR trends to watch this year
The pandemic resulted in economic uncertainty and drew attention to some emerging workplace changes. As life returns to some semblance of normality, employers will need to reassess policies and practices in several areas to be prepared. Top trends identified by the...
What should employers know about job interviews?
The job interview is the key process for bringing the right talent into your company. Making sure it is done correctly takes planning and preparation. It is imperative there be a process in place to ensure compliance and eliminate any risk of discrimination. Employers...
Does your employee handbook reflect new laws and policies?
Updating company policies and reviewing employee handbooks should be an annual event for employers. The start of the new year is a good time for these housekeeping tasks because each new year brings new laws and changes to existing laws. Three things Massachusetts...
Can employers require COVID-19 vaccinations?
As the rollout of vaccinations for COVID-19 ramps up in the new year, employers are wondering whether they can mandate that employees receive vaccines to combat the spread of this virus. The short answer? Yes, they can. Employers who are concerned about COVID-19...
Be prepared: January marks start of PFML benefits
Massachusetts is one of six states to have enacted a paid family and medical leave law. Originally, the state’s PFML law was passed as part of the “Grand Bargain” legislation, which also included changes to the state minimum wage and hours worked. Employers need to be...
Protect your workforce with COVID-19 safety measures
As COVID-19 cases surge nationwide, employers have a responsibility to ensure they have a safe work environment for employees. All it takes are some simple, commonsense measures that can be taken by everyone to minimize risks in the workplace. As I mentioned in...
ADA accessibility applies to your website, too
Businesses are increasingly facing hefty lawsuits over web content that isn’t accessible to people with disabilities. More than 2,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed in 2018 and in 2019, and employers must make sure they are in compliance. It’s estimated that...
