Effective May 7, 2021, New Hampshire’s updated COVID-19 Universal Guidelines (now called Universal Best Practices) take effect but remind us that we still need to take precautions and follow the same recommendations, including: Good planning and communication to staff and consumers Vaccination against COVID-19 Identifying and excluding people with symptoms of COVID-19 or risk factorsContinue reading “New NH Universal Best Practices”
Category Archives: Employee Relations
Social Media Guidelines for Employers
Legal decisions have shown that employers need a social media policy widely communicated to their employees to ensure clear expectations around appropriate social media content during work hours and off-the-clock. A clear policy can reinforce discipline and termination decisions by employers as well as protect employers from other liability, such as FTC endorsement violations. The followingContinue reading “Social Media Guidelines for Employers”
Voluntary FFCRA Benefit & Tax Credits
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 has extended the tax credits available to employers with fewer than 500 employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) through September 30, 2021. This continues to be a voluntary choice for employers to adopt – or not – in 2021. There are a few expansions noted below and there isContinue reading “Voluntary FFCRA Benefit & Tax Credits”
What to Do When an Employee Starts Crying in a Disciplinary Meeting
It is uncomfortable to see a person cry, especially if something we said or did was the catalyst. For this reason, many managers will delay difficult conversations to avoid the potential for conflict and any related emotions. However, rarely will avoidance resolve the issue. Early invention is the key to more effective constructive feedback andContinue reading “What to Do When an Employee Starts Crying in a Disciplinary Meeting”
Empathy is Essential During Pandemic’s Tough Decisions
Published in Union Leader: Employers have to show empathy while making tough decisions to maintain morale and avoid getting sued for their actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, a human resources specialist says. During a UNH Center for Family Enterprise & CEO Forum webinar on Wednesday, Amy Cann, managing partner at HR ROI Consulting in Portsmouth,Continue reading “Empathy is Essential During Pandemic’s Tough Decisions”
End of the Road: Termination
Deciding to terminate someone’s employment under any circumstances is complicated. The risk means employers must be thoughtful, fair-minded, and strategic. Termination on-the-spot without any investigation, conversation, or prior discipline often backfires. If the misconduct is severe, opt to suspend the employee pending an investigation, and carefully review all the evidence first. Make sure the organizationContinue reading “End of the Road: Termination”