HR topics
Common HR questions, answered in plain English
Short, general guides with links to the official government pages. Rules often differ by state and city, so each guide shows you where to check. How we write these.
Employee write-ups and progressive discipline
What a fair, fact-based write-up includes, and what employees can do when they get one.
Performance improvement plans (PIPs)
What a PIP usually contains and how to respond to one.
At-will employment
What "at will" generally means, and the common exceptions.
Final paycheck after leaving a job
When a last paycheck is due depends on your state. Here is where to check.
Overtime pay
The basic federal overtime rule and who may be exempt.
Minimum wage
Federal and state minimum wage, and how to find the rate that applies to you.
Meal and rest breaks
Meal and rest break rules mostly come from state law. Here is where to check yours.
FMLA and family or medical leave
Who may qualify for job-protected unpaid leave under the FMLA.
Workplace harassment
What unlawful harassment generally is, and where to report it.
Employment discrimination
Which characteristics federal law protects, and how to file a charge.
Retaliation
Protection for people who complain, report or take part in an investigation.
Disability and reasonable accommodation
How to ask for an accommodation and what employers generally must consider.
Pregnancy at work
Protections against pregnancy discrimination and for accommodation.
Workplace safety
Your right to a safe workplace and how to file an OSHA complaint.
Unemployment benefits
Who may qualify and how to apply in your state.
COBRA health coverage after a job ends
Keeping your group health plan after leaving a job.
Being fired or laid off
A checklist of what to ask about and where to find official help.
Employee or independent contractor?
Why classification matters and where the official tests are.
Form I-9 and work authorization
What employers must verify for every new hire.
Talking with coworkers about pay and conditions
What the NLRB says about discussing pay and working conditions with co-workers.
Equal pay
Pay discrimination based on sex or other protected characteristics.