Finding the right employees and navigating the legal landscape of the hiring process can be a challenging task for employers. To shed light on these crucial aspects, we recently conducted a workshop, in conjunction with UpStart Maine, titled “Hiring and Handbooks,” where top Rudman Winchell employment attorney, Anne-Marie Storey, along with Human Resources expert, Terri Swanson of Swanson Consulting & Associates, shared valuable insights. In this blog post, we will summarize some key takeaways from the workshop, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and guidance in enhancing your hiring process and ensuring legal compliance.
1. Behavioral Expectations: The Key to Hiring the Right Fit
During the “Hiring and Handbooks” workshop, one significant point that emerged was the importance of behavioral expectations when evaluating potential candidates. While skills can be taught, behaviors are often more challenging to change. Assessing qualities like respect, professionalism, and cultural fit can significantly contribute to building a thriving workplace. However, it is essential to note that these insights are shared to provide awareness rather than prescriptive advice.
2. Navigating the Legal Aspects of Hiring
Understanding the legal aspects surrounding the hiring process is vital to avoid potential legal pitfalls. Our expert attorney, Anne-Marie, shared valuable insights during the workshop, emphasizing the need for caution and compliance. For instance, applications should focus on gathering relevant information and avoid requesting sensitive details such as dates of birth or medical information, which could lead to discrimination claims. Furthermore, if you choose to run a background check on your new hires, they should be conducted after extending a conditional job offer is made and should be used consistently, to ensure fairness and legal compliance.
Job descriptions play a crucial role in attracting qualified candidates and ensuring alignment with organizational needs. Terri Swanson, a renowned consultant, highlighted the significance of including behavioral expectations and job requirements in job descriptions. This enables employers to assess candidates’ suitability during interviews.
4. The Power of Effective Onboarding
The impact of a positive onboarding experience on new hires’ decision to stay should not be underestimated. During the workshop, our expert, Terri, emphasized the importance of building a positive employer-employee relationship from the moment a job offer is extended. Demonstrating care, connection, and making new employees feel wanted can foster engagement and loyalty. While these insights are valuable, they are intended as general considerations rather than explicit advice.
5. Compliance Tips for Remote Employees
As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, ensuring compliance for remote employees is of utmost importance. Anne-Marie highlighted the significance of adhering to labor law requirements during the workshop. Employers must ensure remote employees have access to required labor law posters and guidelines. Making these resources easily accessible through internal systems helps maintain compliance and protect businesses. However, specific circumstances may vary, and it is crucial to seek guidance to tailor compliance measures to your organization’s needs.
While our “Hiring and Handbooks” workshop offered valuable insights into enhancing the hiring process and ensuring legal compliance, it is essential to remember that these insights are not intended as specific advice for any particular situation. Rather, they serve as awareness-raising information to guide employers in making informed decisions and seeking professional support when needed.
If you are seeking personalized guidance and support in navigating employment law matters, including hiring, handbooks, and compliance, we encourage you to contact Rudman Winchell’s employment team. Our experienced professionals are ready to provide the knowledge and expertise necessary to address your unique business needs.
Remember, every situation is different, and seeking professional advice is key to making well-informed decisions. Together, we can navigate the complex world of employment law while promoting a thriving and compliant workplace.
Note: The information provided in this blog post is based on the insights shared during our “Hiring and Handbooks” workshop and should not be considered as legal advice. Employers should consult with legal professionals to address their specific needs and comply with applicable laws and regulations.