Employment Law | Human Resources
$4.7 Million PFMLA Verdict: What HR Needs to Know and Why Caution Matters
A recent Massachusetts jury verdict is sending a strong message to employers: actions taken after an employee returns…
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Human Resources
Ask the Helpline: Does a Doctor’s Note Automatically Excuse an Employee Absence?
Q: If an employee provides a doctor’s note, does that automatically mean the absence must be excused? A:…
May 31, 2026
Read MoreCompensation | Employment Law | Human Resources
Ask the Helpline: Two Pay Mistakes That Could Cost Employers Thousands
Questions about pay come into the Helpline every day, but some carry more risk than others. Two issues…
May 1, 2026
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Immigration
Stricter I-9 Audits Raise the Stakes for Employers
All employers in the U.S. are required to verify that employees are authorized to work by completing Form…
May 1, 2026
Read MoreEconomic Inclusion | Human Resources
AIM Launches HR Program as Part of Economic Inclusion Efforts
Associated Industries of Massachusetts has launched an initiative to provide free human-resource services to small businesses that are…
March 28, 2026
Read MoreCompensation | Human Resources
Vague Bonus Terms Can Create Wage Act Risk
Massachusetts employers should be careful when describing bonuses in offer letters and compensation plans. A recent court decision…
March 26, 2026
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Workforce
Ask the Helpline: Are Your Hiring Assessments Creating Legal Risk?
Question May we require job applicants in Massachusetts to complete a personality or workstyle assessment? Answer Yes, but…
March 26, 2026
Read MoreHuman Resources | Workforce
Managing Leaves After Paid Time Off Exhaustion
Allowing employees to go unpaid once their vacation, personal, and sick leave (PTO) banks are exhausted is a…
March 3, 2026
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Workforce
Ask the Helpline: Do Employees Have Constitutional Rights at Work?
Question Do employees have constitutional rights at work? Answer It depends on where they work. Many employees believe…
March 3, 2026
Read MoreHuman Resources | Workforce
Ask the Helpline: How Can We Build Employee Confidence and Retain Young Talent?
Question: We’re struggling to attract and retain younger employees. Many seem hesitant to speak up, unsure about their…
January 30, 2026
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources
Snow Days, Closures, and Pay: What HR Needs to Know
Winter weather can force offices to close or send employees home early. When that happens, pay rules depend…
January 30, 2026
Read MoreBusiness Management | Human Resources | Workforce
Ask the Helpline: When Coaching Alone Isn’t Working, Is Discipline the Right Next Step?
Question We have a manager dealing with an employee who isn’t meeting expectations. Coaching conversations have happened, but…
January 6, 2026
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Tax & Finances
Massachusetts Delays PFML Tax Withholding and Reporting Changes Following New IRS Guidance
On December 19, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued IRS Notice 2026-6, extending the federal transition period…
January 6, 2026
Read MoreBusiness Management | Human Resources | Workforce
Employers Confront Shifting Workplace
Massachusetts employers are navigating a rapidly shifting workplace landscape shaped by economic uncertainty, new regulatory mandates, and evolving…
December 15, 2025
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Workforce
Ask the Helpline: How Can We Keep Our Holiday Party Fun and Compliant?
Question Our company is hosting a holiday party this year, and leadership wants it to be a big…
December 2, 2025
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Workforce
Massachusetts Paid Family & Medical Leave Updates for 2025–2026
At a recent AIM Human Resource Roundtable, the Director of the Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML)…
December 2, 2025
Read MoreHuman Resources | Workforce
Ask the Helpline: My Best Employee Is Now Struggling as a Supervisor
Question We recently promoted one of our top-performing employees into a supervisor role. The person was amazing at…
November 1, 2025
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Workforce
Firing Someone When It’s ‘Convenient’ Can Cause Problems Later
HR professionals often face difficult employees in key roles. These individuals can be strong performers, but they can…
November 1, 2025
Read MoreAssociated Industries of Massachusetts | Employment Law | Human Resources
HR Solutions – The Hidden Gem of AIM
By Brooke Thomson President & CEO One of the signature strengths of AIM is its ability to help…
October 23, 2025
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Workforce
Avoiding Loopholes in Human-Resources Documents and Policies
If you’ve spent any time in HR, you’ve probably heard it: ‘But that’s not what the policy says…’…
September 28, 2025
Read MoreEmployment Law | Human Resources | Workforce
Ask the Helpline: Are Your Supervisors Documenting Performance Issues the Right Way?
Question: I often worry that our supervisors may not be documenting performance issues correctly. What are the most…
September 28, 2025
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