Personnel Files

EEOC issues final GINA regulations

11/09/2010

The EEOC has just issued final regulations implementing the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA), the federal law that makes it illegal for employers to use genetic information to make decisions about health insurance and employment. Download the final regs here, and then use them as the basis for reviewing your wellness program and other work processes that might violate GINA.

What are the new federal I-9 rules?

10/12/2010

Q. How does the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s new rule change an employer’s Form I-9 responsibilities?

Loose lips lead to lawsuits: Consult lawyer before releasing personal info

09/22/2010

Privacy laws are confusing. If you are unsure about whether you can release any employee information, check with your attorney. That may help you avoid the kind of drawn-out litigation one employer recently endured.

Alert: Key EEOC reporting deadline is next Thursday

09/21/2010

Most large employers (and federal contractors) have just a few days to submit key employee demographic data to the EEOC. The deadline for filing EEO-1 reports is next Thursday, Sept. 30. Find links to the EEOC’s online reporting system and an explanation of what you need to report.

Feds finalize I-9 form rules allowing electronic storage

08/24/2010

DHS has issued final regulations clearing the way for employers to electronically sign and store the I-9 employment eligibility verification forms that must be on file for all employees. Here are the links you need to capitalize on this initiative, which should reduce your paperwork burden.

Records retention: Know what to keep, what’s safe to toss

08/02/2010

If there’s one thing all HR pros share, it’s probably a love/hate relationship with paper and paperwork. You know you need good records, but you also need to get rid of them periodically. That’s what a records-retention schedule will help you do.

Use benefits checklist to smooth new-hire onboarding

07/29/2010

New employees have lots on their minds when they first start working. While making the right benefits choices and completing the necessary paperwork is ultimately the employee’s responsibility, HR can give a kick in the pants by providing a checklist like this one.

Feds propose new HIPAA privacy rules

07/13/2010

The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed new rules to strengthen HIPAA’s confidentiality and security measures. While your health insurance carrier will have primary responsibility for compliance, you need to be able to answer employees’ questions about their new privacy rights.

EEOC wins access to Quantum’s hiring documents

06/14/2010

Bolingbrook-based Quantum Foods faces a national-origin discrimination lawsuit from the EEOC, based on a Hispanic worker’s claim that he was terminated because of his national origin. The EEOC sought hiring records for the facility for the past four years.

How accessible are your electronic HR files?

06/08/2010

With 70% of all corporate records now stored electronically, HR must make sure their organizations’ systems are set up to retrieve critical information on demand. That’s essential if your organization is sued. Long delays in providing evidence can lead to needless litigation costs—and crush your chances in court.