Iowa Employment Law Insights

Changes to Flexible Spending Accounts in New Law

December 28, 2020

United States: The legislation signed into law by President Trump on December 27 makes temporary changes to rules governing health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.

HR Quick Take: Rewarding Employees with PTO

December 9, 2020

United States: I have a number of employees who really stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have already given bonuses to some, but we would also like to offer some additional PTO to help them deal with burnout. Recognizing that we may have staffing shortages during the ongoing pandemic, can we limit when they can take this new PTO?

Keep Your Performers Close and Get the Others Off Your Team…Promptly

December 7, 2020

United States: Providing clear expectations and feedback to employees makes for a better team.

The DOL Revisits Compensable Travel Time

December 4, 2020

In November, the DOL issued a letter about employee travel time - what's compensable and what's not?

Is Training Time Paid? DOL Reiterates Standard Position

December 2, 2020

United States: In November, the Department of Labor answered frequently asked questions about employee training - chiefly, when is that time compensable?

HR Quick Take:FMLA or FFCRA?

November 25, 2020

United States: I have an employee who plans to go out on leave for surgery but has been told by his physician he has to quarantine for five days prior to surgery because of COVID-19. Is this leave covered under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave component of the FFCRA or FMLA?

HR Quick Take: Helicopter Parents

November 19, 2020

United States: I have a young employee. Her mother just called and wanted to talk to me about her work performance and also to get a copy of her personnel file. What am I supposed to do?

Common Problems in Employment Manuals

November 18, 2020

United States: Employment manuals should be easy to understand. Trying to cover potential liability is important, but so is practicality.

HR Quick Take: Employee Biometric Data

October 21, 2020

United States: We need to implement a new time clock system this year and there are some easy to use ones that use fingerprints, retina scans, or hand scans. I know biometrics are a big issue - does Iowa limit the use of biometric data for employee purposes - such as time clock use?

HR Quick Take: Accommodations for Drug Testing

October 14, 2020

United States: We have an Iowa Code 730.5 compliant drug testing program. However, we have an applicant who, due to health condition, cannot provide a urine sample for drug testing. Can we just disqualify him?