Employer COVID restrictions in 2023
Q: My company is requiring most of us to return to the workplace over the summer. I have a question though. I live with my mother, and her health is poor. I am worried (still) about COVID. A year or … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole answers a question from a terminated employee
Question: Can an employer terminate your employment for any reason? I was a supervisor for five years. I recently received an increase in pay and all of my performance reviews were excellent. My company even hired an additional employee into my … Continued
Fired? Pattie Hunt Sinacole shares info on what a supervisor is required to say
Q: I was working at a small retail shop in our downtown area. I was recently fired. The supervisor said I was not performing my role as a customer service agent. He never gave me areas to improve upon. I … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole explains reasonable accommodations in the workplace
Q: I have read so much information about remote, hybrid, in-office, I am overwhelmed. Our employer is offering hybrid, but I would like to be fully remote. I have a disability which makes it more of a challenge to travel … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole addresses accommodations and dogs
Q: I have a specific question for you. I work for a company that is casual and flexible. We can choose how to dress. We have a ton of flexibility. They provide meals sometimes. They often have fun events for … Continued
Can you ask about a candidate’s salary history?
Q: Is it legal for potential employers to ask what your current salary is and require a specific answer? A: Employers can ask a broad range of questions of candidates. Most employers understand that they should focus on job-related questions. … Continued
What is Juneteenth?
Q: I just found out my company celebrates Juneteenth. This is a new holiday for me. Can you help me understand it? I am hearing a lot about it, but not sure of the origins and why it is now … Continued
Interview questions feel wrong
Q: During a recent interview, I was asked some unusual questions. I was asked about “what country I was from” and “if I liked children.” These questions were not relevant to the job. I never received a job offer from … Continued
What benefits are required for summer employees?
Q: I run a company in metrowest. We have 27 employees, and then about 5 employees over the summer to cover vacations. My question is regarding summer employees. Are they subject to the same laws as year-round employees? Even PFML? … Continued
Long COVID – how to disclose as a candidate
Q: I am a candidate for a role in biotech. I have been diagnosed with long COVID (or PASC, the medical term). I will need some accommodations for this condition. How or when do I ask a prospective employer? A: … Continued