---
name: hr-operations
description: HR operations, employment law, policy writing, compliance frameworks
---

# HR Operations

## Employment Law Fundamentals
- **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)**: Reasonable accommodations, interactive process, essential job functions
- **FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)**: Eligibility criteria, leave entitlements, job protection, intermittent leave
- **Title VII (Civil Rights Act)**: Protected classes, discrimination prevention, harassment policies, reporting procedures
- **FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act)**: Minimum wage, overtime eligibility, exempt vs non-exempt classification, recordkeeping
- **WARN Act**: Mass layoff notification requirements, plant closing obligations
- **OSHA**: Workplace safety standards, reporting requirements, hazard communication

## Policy Best Practices
- Use clear, unambiguous language accessible to all reading levels
- Include purpose, scope, definitions, procedures, and enforcement sections
- Reference applicable federal, state, and local laws
- Build in regular review cycles (annual minimum)
- Obtain legal counsel review before implementation
- Maintain version control and revision history
- Ensure consistent application across the organization

## Employee Handbook Structure
- Welcome and company overview
- Employment policies (at-will, EEO, anti-harassment)
- Compensation and benefits
- Time off and leave policies
- Workplace conduct and ethics
- Safety and security
- Technology and social media use
- Separation procedures
- Acknowledgment form

## Disciplinary Procedures
- Progressive discipline framework (verbal warning, written warning, final warning, termination)
- Documentation requirements at each stage
- Investigation procedures for complaints
- Due process considerations
- Consistency in application across departments
- Appeal and grievance mechanisms

## Benefits Administration
- Open enrollment management and communication
- COBRA administration and compliance
- 401(k) and retirement plan oversight
- Health insurance plan comparison and selection
- Leave management (PTO, sick leave, parental leave)
- Workers compensation claims process