Snapshot
The following list of questions will provide a snapshot of the more critical topics covered in this book. You can use this checklist to quickly determine whether or not you are complying with fundamental employment laws and regulations. You should know the answer to every one of these questions. Although a “No” answer does not necessarily mean you are in violation of any laws or regulations, you should understand why the answer is “No.” A link to the text containing information related to the topic is provided for quick reference.
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Yes No |
Do you keep all medical records separate from other personnel files? |
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Yes No |
Do you keep all I-9 forms separate from other personnel file documents? |
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Yes No |
Do you report new hires in compliance with Iowa’s state requirements? |
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Yes No |
Do you retain for one year each employee’s: name, address, date of birth, occupation, rate of pay and compensation? |
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Yes No |
Do you know what questions you can’t ask job applicants, and which ones you should? |
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Yes No |
Do you check all job and personal references before hiring? |
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Yes No |
Do you have complete job descriptions which describe the essential and non-essential functions of each job, and do you update them periodically? |
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Yes No |
Do you know the difference between exempt and non-exempt employees? |
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Yes No |
Do you know what is considered an improper deduction from the salary of an exempt employee? |
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Yes No |
Does your company have an electronic mail, Internet and other communications policy that deals with social networking? |
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Yes No |
Do you have an employee handbook? If so, is it regularly updated, and do you include a clear statement that employment is at-will and not guaranteed? |
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Yes No |
Do you pay required overtime compensation to non-exempt employees, which can include salaried employees? |
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Yes No |
Do you have a written harassment policy, and are your employees aware of it? |
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Yes No |
Do you have a procedure for investigating employee complaints about harassment? |
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Yes No |
Do you test for drugs or alcohol in compliance with both Iowa and federal law? |
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Yes No |
Do you have a progressive discipline policy, and do your supervisors understand it and apply it consistently? |
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Yes No |
Are you aware of federal requirements regarding continuation of group health care coverage? |
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Yes No |
Do you have a plan for dealing with workplace violence? |
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Yes No |
Do you have a system for handling wage garnishment or income deduction orders? |
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Yes No |
Do you know if your employees are eligible for family and medical leave? |
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Yes No |
Do you have a system for sending out COBRA notices within the required time limits? |
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Yes No |
Does your workers’ compensation insurance carrier provide managed medical care as required by Iowa law? |
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Yes No |
Does your company have a plan for complying with WARN or Iowa WARN in the case of a mass layoff or plant closing? |
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Yes No |
Do you know the procedure for reinstating a veteran after military leave? |
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Yes No |
Does your company have a method for evaluating employees’ performances? |
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Yes No |
Do you protect your company from penalties (including back taxes) by properly designating workers as “employees” or “independent contractors”? |
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Yes No |
Are you up to date on which statuses are protected from discrimination in Iowa (including sexual orientation and genetic information)? |
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Yes No |
Do you provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with a known disability? |
