Red, White & HR
This federal holiday in July often causes questions about paid time off and scheduling
What is Independence Day (Fourth of July)
A supervisor tells an employee during an interview, “We don’t usually hire people your age, but I’ll give you a shot.” HR should flag this as a violation of this federal law.
What is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
An employee reports harassment, but the supervisor ignores it and continues the behavior. This failure could lead to what type of lawsuit.
What is a hostile work environment or harassment lawsuit.
True or False: An employee must give two weeks’ notice before quitting.
What is False?
(There’s no federal law requiring notice. If the employee doesn't give a proper notice they will forfeit any PTO they have on the books. Except in MT) and they will not be eligible for rehire.
My name is Alex-Tre Best and I lost my health insurance how long do I have to wait to come on to the company insurance?
If you are a full-time employee, that has worked at least 60 days, and lost your health insurance you will enter a Qualifying Event and upload your lost coverage notice and you will be able to come on to our plan right away.
True or False - Federal law requires private employers to pay time-and-a-half if employees work on July 4th.
What is False.
Holidays are voluntary benefits based on employer policies.
A supervisor says, “We don't give time off for religious holidays unless its Christmas". HR must remind them of this obligation.
What is the duty to provide reasonable accommodation under Title VII.
This statement ignores the requirement to accommodate all sincerely held religious beliefs under this federal law.
A manager fires an employee shortly after they filed a workers’ compensation claim. This type of wrongful termination is known as what?
What is retaliation
True or False: Employees can’t talk about their pay with coworkers.
What is False
(Under the NLRA, employees have the right to discuss wages and working conditions.)
Where can I find the signed job offer?
In form 15 Documents - click on the Application - once it opens scroll over to Offer and open the offer letter
When an employee calls in sick but is spotted at a July 4th BBQ, this policy might be reviewed for potential violations.
What is the attendance policy
You can’t work here if you need a cane—it’s not a good look for the company, and people might think you live here.
What is a reasonable accommodation.
This discriminatory remark ignores the obligation to provide this type of support under the ADA
This federal agency enforces laws against workplace discrimination based on race, gender, age, and more.
What is the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
True or False: We can deduct money from an employee’s paycheck if they damage company property.
What is False in most cases.
(Many state laws restrict this unless the employee gives written consent and it doesn’t drop pay below minimum wage.)
I lost the entire person after sending them an offer letter where can I find it?
Search for the application and you will usually find it and be able to click on it and see the offer
When multiple employees request time off around July 4th, the Administrator often refers to this policy to fairly determine who gets the days off.
What is the time-off request policy or first-come, first-served policy.
A supervisor casually tells staff, “I don’t care if she’s pregnant—she needs to lift those boxes like everyone else.” This may violate protections under this law.
What is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
An employer ignores multiple complaints about a supervisor’s racial slurs. This negligence can lead to liability under what legal theory?
What is employer liability for hostile work environment or negligent supervision.
A manager insists it’s okay to treat male and female employees differently “because they’re just wired differently.” HR reminds them that employment decisions based on gender stereotypes may violate this federal law.
What is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Where can I go to audit my own I-9 forms?
There are two ways - to audit all go to the HR tab in Paycom - Documents and Checklist - Employment Authorization tab - click on the 2nd tab - Employee I-9 Status or you can go to form 16 checklist and make sure the I-9 checklist is 100% complete
This common dilemma occurs when an employee posts photos on social media celebrating the Fourth of July at a lake party—after calling in sick that same day. The supervisor must address the issue by balancing this two-part principle.
What are "employee privacy rights and the enforcement of attendance policies".
We don’t have time for people with mental health issues on this team.” A supervisor who says this is not only showing bias but may be violating this law.
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
When an employee resigns because their work environment has become so intolerable due to harassment or discrimination that they feel forced to quit, this legal concept may apply.
What is contructive discharge.
Employers must be careful to address complaints promptly and maintain a respectful workplace to avoid situations that could lead to constructive discharge claims.
True or False: We don’t need to document a verbal warning—it’s informal.
What is False
(All disciplinary actions—verbal or not—should be documented for consistency and legal protection.)
True or False: Employers can require employees to keep health conditions private—even outside of work.
What is False
(While medical privacy is protected at work under HIPAA and ADA, employers can’t control personal conversations outside the workplace.)