5 minute HR FEED

Pay Transparency Considerations for Employers

In this episode of MRA’s Five-Minute HR Feed podcast, Nicole Morehouse, Manager of MRA’s 24/7 Hotline, sits down with HR Business Partner Lisa Hirchert to delve into the essentials of pay transparency and why it’s a critical focus for today’s organizations.
Episode Highlights:
The difference between pay transparency and pay equity
An overview of growing state laws around pay transparency and what employers need to know
How transparency builds trust, fairness, and positively impacts employee performance
Practical strategies for HR professionals and managers to foster openness and trust within their teams
Whether you’re just beginning or are already on the path to transparency, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help make transparency work in your organization. For more support, MRA’s 24/7 Hotline and HR Business Partner Team are here to assist!
Related Resources:
MRA’s HR Resources – Explore more tools and guidance from MRA.
MRA's 24/7 HR Hotline - MRA’s team of experienced HR professionals to answer all your HR questions and provide sound HR advice.
MRA Membership - Your business receives access to a comprehensive set of HR solutions and support.
 
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners. Share this episode with your team to enhance your internal investigation practices.
 
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.

Laying the Groundwork for Effective HR Investigations: Part Two

In this episode, host Nicole Morehouse is joined by Maria Monteagudo from MRA’s HR services team. They dive into key steps for conducting thorough HR investigations, including preparing for interviews with complainants, witnesses, and the accused. Maria shares expert insights on how to create a comfortable environment for interviews, the importance of having a note-taker, and how to ensure effective workplace documentation. Learn practical tips for improving your organization’s internal investigation process and setting yourself up for success when issues arise.
Episode Highlights:
Creating a safe and private environment for complainants during interviews
The role of note-takers in improving documentation and focusing on follow-up questions
Importance of allowing the complainant to share their full story before asking follow-up questions
Considerations around asking for written statements from complainants
Defining who should be considered a witness and when to involve them in the investigation process
Tips on preparing for interviews and ensuring a thorough internal investigation
 
Related Resources:
MRA’s HR Resources – Explore more tools and guidance from MRA.
MRA's 24/7 HR Hotline - MRA’s team of experienced HR professionals to answer all your HR questions and provide sound HR advice.
Workplace Investigations - When dealing with a potentially costly employee situation, a workplace investigation can be more effective by a neutral third party.
MRA Membership - Your business receives access to a comprehensive set of HR solutions and support.
 
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners. Share this episode with your team to enhance your internal investigation practices.
 
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.

Laying the Groundwork for Effective HR Investigations: Part One

In this episode, we're excited to welcome Maria Monteagudo, HR Business Partner at MRA, as our guest. Maria brings a wealth of experience in managing internal investigations and will guide us through the critical pre-investigation phase. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, where we explore essential strategies to prepare for a successful investigation.
 
Episode Highlights:
Initial Considerations: How to assess and categorize the reported issue, whether it’s a legal concern, policy violation, or a personal matter.
Intervention Strategies: Best practices for addressing safety or security concerns, including the possibility of placing an employee on leave or reassigning duties.
Evidence Collection: Key types of evidence to secure promptly, including payroll data, electronic communications, and witness statements.
Notifications: Effective ways to inform involved parties and manage expectations while maintaining investigation integrity.
 
Related Resources:
MRA’s HR Resources – Explore more tools and guidance from MRA.
MRA's 24/7 HR Hotline - MRA’s team of experienced HR professionals to answer all your HR questions and provide sound HR advice.
Workplace Investigations - When dealing with a potentially costly employee situation, a workplace investigation can be more effective by a neutral third party.
MRA Membership - Your business receives access to a comprehensive set of HR solutions and support.
 
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners. Share this episode with your team to enhance your internal investigation practices.
 
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.

REPLAY: Essential Scripted Statements for Managers and Supervisors

Explore vital components of a remote work policy, including provisions for the company to end remote work, performance expectations emphasizing output, and security measures for sensitive information. We'll also discuss raising awareness of safety and ergonomic concerns in the home office. Tune in for expert insights into remote work success.
Sample Policies
Flexibility Clause: "The remote work arrangement may be discontinued by the Company at any time and for any reason, at the sole discretion of the Company. The employee will be given as much notice as practicable given the circumstances regarding the end of the remote work arrangement. In addition, the employee may be required on occasion to report to and/or work at the employer’s physical workspace or other designated location."
Safety Protocol: The employee must have a dedicated workspace at their location for their equipment. The employee is responsible for keeping the equipment in safe condition and must keep their workspace free from any hazards. The Company will provide each employee with a safety checklist that must be completed at least twice per year."
Leave Requests and Illness Protocol: "Requests for Leave: Unless otherwise agreed-to between an employee and their manager, employees must dedicate their efforts and attention to their job duties during their scheduled work hours. If an employee needs to attend to a non-work-related matter, activity, or event during their regularly-scheduled work hours, the employee must request time off in the same manner as if the employee was working from the Company’s facilities. If an employee experiences illness which prevents them from performing any remote work, the employee must follow the sick leave procedures established by the Company for the time in which they were unable to work."
* The information in this podcast is current as of April 17, 2024.
Disclaimer: this information is for general purposes only. MRA is not a law firm, and it does not provide any legal advice. Listeners should consult with their own counsel on any topics discussed in this podcast.
Resources:
MRA membership
Subscribe for podcast updates

REPLAY: Essential Elements of a Robust Remote Work Policy

Explore vital components of a remote work policy, including provisions for the company to end remote work, performance expectations emphasizing output, and security measures for sensitive information. We'll also discuss raising awareness of safety and ergonomic concerns in the home office. Tune in for expert insights into remote work success.
Sample Policies
Flexibility Clause: "The remote work arrangement may be discontinued by the Company at any time and for any reason, at the sole discretion of the Company. The employee will be given as much notice as practicable given the circumstances regarding the end of the remote work arrangement. In addition, the employee may be required on occasion to report to and/or work at the employer’s physical workspace or other designated location."
Safety Protocol: The employee must have a dedicated workspace at their location for their equipment. The employee is responsible for keeping the equipment in safe condition and must keep their workspace free from any hazards. The Company will provide each employee with a safety checklist that must be completed at least twice per year."
Leave Requests and Illness Protocol: "Requests for Leave: Unless otherwise agreed-to between an employee and their manager, employees must dedicate their efforts and attention to their job duties during their scheduled work hours. If an employee needs to attend to a non-work-related matter, activity, or event during their regularly-scheduled work hours, the employee must request time off in the same manner as if the employee was working from the Company’s facilities. If an employee experiences illness which prevents them from performing any remote work, the employee must follow the sick leave procedures established by the Company for the time in which they were unable to work."
* The information in this podcast is current as of April 17, 2024.
Disclaimer: this information is for general purposes only. MRA is not a law firm, and it does not provide any legal advice. Listeners should consult with their own counsel on any topics discussed in this podcast.
Resources:
MRA membership
Subscribe for podcast updates

The Three Most Frequently Asked FMLA Questions

MRA's hotline fields thousands of calls and inquiries every year, but one of the hottest topics they handle is the Family and Medical Leave Act. Nicole Morehouse, MRA's Hotline manager, joins the podcast to discuss the three most frequently-asked FMLA questions. To reach MRA's hotline, call 866-474-6854 or email infonow@mranet.org.
 
* The information in this podcast is current as of July 3, 2024.
Disclaimer: this information is for general purposes only. MRA is not a law firm, and it does not provide any legal advice. Listeners should consult with their own counsel on any topics discussed in this podcast.
Resources:
MRA membership
Subscribe for podcast updates

What to Expect When Your State Enacts Pay Transparency

Several states have already implemented pay transparency laws, allowing job candidates to see salary or wage ranges for positions upfront. Now, Illinois and Minnesota are set to join them. In this episode, we delve into what employers can expect from these new requirements and explore the practical challenges they may face in achieving compliance. Join us for expert insights on navigating this evolving landscape and ensuring a smooth transition for your organization.
* The information in this podcast is current as of June 5, 2024.
Disclaimer: this information is for general purposes only. MRA is not a law firm, and it does not provide any legal advice. Listeners should consult with their own counsel on any topics discussed in this podcast.
Resources:
MRA membership
Subscribe for podcast updates
What Employers Should Know 
Pay Transparency in Job Postings

What’s an undue hardship under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act rules?

In this episode, we explain what "undue hardship" means under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Learn how this legal standard affects the obligations of employers and the rights of pregnant workers. We'll break down the essentials so you can quickly understand how the PWFA ensures fair treatment and reasonable accommodations without imposing excessive burdens on businesses. Perfect for a quick yet informative listen!
* The information in this podcast is current as of May 29, 2024.
Disclaimer: this information is for general purposes only. MRA is not a law firm, and it does not provide any legal advice. Listeners should consult with their own counsel on any topics discussed in this podcast.
Resources:
MRA membership
Subscribe for podcast updates
EEOC press release
Final regulations

Navigating HR Compliance: Two Core Pillars

In this episode, we explore two pillars of HR compliance: documenting and consistency. We share practical tips and insights on maintaining thorough documentation and ensuring consistent practices. Whether you're an experienced HR professional or just starting out, this episode provides valuable strategies to help you manage compliance effectively. Tune in to learn how to keep your organization compliant and efficient.
* The information in this podcast is current as of June 19, 2024.
Disclaimer: this information is for general purposes only. MRA is not a law firm, and it does not provide any legal advice. Listeners should consult with their own counsel on any topics discussed in this podcast.
Resources:
MRA membership
Subscribe for podcast updates

Decoding the EEOC: Navigating New Harassment Guidelines

On this episode, we dive deep into the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) groundbreaking new harassment guidelines.
Join us as we break down the complexities and offer practical insights for navigating these vital directives in today's workplace. From clarifying key definitions to outlining effective prevention strategies, our expert guests unravel the nuances, ensuring you're equipped to cultivate a safe and inclusive work environment.
Tune in for a comprehensive discussion that seamlessly merges legal compliance with actionable advice, empowering HR professionals, managers, and employees to confidently navigate the ever-evolving landscape of workplace harassment.
 
* The information in this podcast is current as of May 15, 2024.
Disclaimer: this information is for general purposes only. MRA is not a law firm, and it does not provide any legal advice. Listeners should consult with their own counsel on any topics discussed in this podcast.
Resources:
MRA membership
Subscribe for podcast updates
EEOC's Guidance (2024)