UNICO HR Solutions

April 20, 2016

From the HR Experts: Job Descriptions

Job Descriptions Question: Why are job descriptions important? Answer: Job descriptions serve a variety of purposes for both managers and employees, including: Helping managers explain the key functions of the position when interviewing applicants and/or orienting new employees Providing employees and their supervisors with additional information to support developing performance and work objectives Guiding compensation bench-marking and organizational design decisions by comparing similar levels of job duties and incumbent requirements for knowledge, skills and abilities Improving employee performance by measuring performance with the stated duties and responsibilities of the job Providing employees with clear definitions of job requirements and expectations for enhanced employee development Guiding employees, their medical practitioners and management through decisions relating to potential workplace accommodation discussions Giving management a more organized and defensible basis for human resources decisions
April 6, 2016

From the HR Experts: Employees And FMLA Rights

Employees and FMLA Rights Question: An employee notified his employer of a serious health condition that would require him to be out of office for some time. The employer took it as a notice of resignation and processed. A week later, the employee indicated that he wanted to go on FMLA, not resign. How should the employer proceed? Answer: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations state that once an employer has been notified or has knowledge of an employee’s serious health condition, the employer is required to inform the employee of his rights and responsibilities under the FMLA. The employee does not have to specifically ask for an FMLA leave – it is up to the employer to determine eligibility and advise the employee accordingly. Additionally, if an employee has a condition that qualifies as a disability under the American with Disabilities Act, the employer has a strict responsibility to work with the employee and his medical provider […]
February 17, 2016

FMLA and Serious Health Condition for a Spouse

From the HR Experts and UNICO HR Solutions: Question: How do we certify a serious health condition for a spouse who is pregnant and not our employee when the husband seeks leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Answer: An employer may require that the need for leave for a serious health condition of the employee or the employee’s immediate family member be supported by a certification issued by a health care provider. Both the mother and father are entitled to Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for the birth of their child and to be with the healthy newborn child (i.e., bonding time) during the 12-month period beginning on the date of birth. A husband and wife who are eligible for FMLA leave and are employed by the same covered employer may be limited to a combined total of 12 weeks of leave during any 12-month period if the leave is taken for birth of the employee’s son […]
September 4, 2014

Common HR Mistakes Made By Smaller Companies

What Types of Mistakes Do Small Businesses Make Regarding Human Resources? Dealing with human resource issues can be challenging at times for any company but especially smaller companies. Quite often, smaller companies just don’t have the expertise or resources when it comes to making sure mistakes aren’t being made when it comes to handling employees. Management and business owners are focused on growth, customer relations, and being as profitability as possible. HR mistakes can cost companies a lot of money and many don’t realize they aren’t compliant or unaware what HR laws apply to them. It’s important that you make sure you avoid these common mistakes which can cost you a lot of time and money if they aren’t addressed properly. 1. Not Having An Employee Handbook – Employee handbooks are important for small companies too. A small business owner may not see a need for one to exist there are many reasons why one should. The employee handbook communicates […]
July 8, 2014

FMLA and Serious Health Condition for A Spouse

From the HR Experts and UNICO HR Solutions: Question- How do we certify a serious health condition for a spouse who is pregnant and not our employee when the husband seeks leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? Answer- An employer may require that the need for leave for a serious health condition of the employee or the employee’s immediate family member be supported by a certification issued by a health care provider. Both the mother and father are entitled to Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for the birth of their child and to be with the healthy newborn child (i.e., bonding time) during the 12-month period beginning on the date of birth. A husband and wife who are eligible for FMLA leave and are employed by the same covered employer may be limited to a combined total of 12 weeks of leave during any 12-month period if the leave is taken for birth of the […]
January 16, 2014

From the HR Experts: Employees And FMLA Rights

Question: An employee notified his employer of a serious health condition that would require him to be out of office for some time. The employer took it as a notice of resignation and processed. A week later, the employee indicated that he wanted to go on FMLA, not resign. How should the employer proceed? Answer: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations state that once an employer has been notified or has knowledge of an employee’s serious health condition, the employer is required to inform the employee of his rights and responsibilities under the FMLA. The employee does not have to specifically ask for an FMLA leave – it is up to the employer to determine eligibility and advise the employee accordingly. Additionally, if an employee has a condition that qualifies as a disability under the American with Disabilities Act, the employer has a strict responsibility to work with the employee and his medical provider in an “interactive process” […]
January 3, 2014

From the HR Experts: Job Descriptions

Question: Why are job descriptions important? Answer: Job descriptions serve a variety of purposes for both managers and employees, including: -Helping managers explain the key functions of the position when interviewing applicants and/or orienting new employees; -Providing employees and their supervisors with additional information to support developing performance and work objectives; -Guiding compensation benchmarking and organizational design decisions by comparing similar levels of job duties and incumbent requirements for knowledge, skills and abilities; -Improving employee performance by measuring performance with the stated duties and responsibilities of the job; -Providing employees with clear definitions of job requirements and expectations for enhanced employee development; -Guiding employees, their medical practitioners and management through decisions relating to potential workplace accommodation discussions; and -Giving management a more organized and defensible basis for human resources decisions. To learn more about UNICO HR Soutions visit HR and Safety Solutions