HR Operations

Employment Law Fundamentals

• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Reasonable accommodations, interactive process, essential job functions
• FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act): Eligibility criteria, leave entitlements, job protection, intermittent leave
• Title VII (Civil Rights Act): Protected classes, discrimination prevention, harassment policies, reporting procedures
• FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act): Minimum wage, overtime eligibility, exempt vs non-exempt classification, recordkeeping
• WARN Act: Mass layoff notification requirements, plant closing obligations
• OSHA: Workplace safety standards, reporting requirements, hazard communication

Policy Best Practices

• Use clear, unambiguous language accessible to all reading levels
• Include purpose, scope, definitions, procedures, and enforcement sections
• Reference applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Build in regular review cycles (annual minimum)
• Obtain legal counsel review before implementation
• Maintain version control and revision history
• Ensure consistent application across the organization

Employee Handbook Structure

• Welcome and company overview
• Employment policies (at-will, EEO, anti-harassment)
• Compensation and benefits
• Time off and leave policies
• Workplace conduct and ethics
• Safety and security
• Technology and social media use
• Separation procedures
• Acknowledgment form

Disciplinary Procedures

• Progressive discipline framework (verbal warning, written warning, final warning, termination)
• Documentation requirements at each stage
• Investigation procedures for complaints
• Due process considerations
• Consistency in application across departments
• Appeal and grievance mechanisms

Benefits Administration

• Open enrollment management and communication
• COBRA administration and compliance
• 401(k) and retirement plan oversight
• Health insurance plan comparison and selection
• Leave management (PTO, sick leave, parental leave)
• Workers compensation claims process