Human Resources

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Economic 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…

Compensation | 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…

Employment 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…

Human 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…

Employment 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…

Human 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…

Employment 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…

Business 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…

Employment 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…

Business 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…

Employment 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…

Employment 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)…

Human 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…

Employment 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…

Associated 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…

Employment 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…’…

Employment 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…

Employment Law | Human Resources | Workforce

Ask the Helpline: Harassment Policies and Training in Massachusetts

Question Is it enough to include my harassment policy in the employee handbook, or does Massachusetts require that…

Employment Law | Human Resources | Workforce

We’ve Had It—They Have to Be Terminated Today!

Why Skipping Feedback and Coaching Hurts More Than It Helps (and the Legal Risks in Massachusetts) Why it…

Associated Industries of Massachusetts | Business | Human Resources

Ask the Helpline: Do You Have to Pay Out Floating Holidays at Termination?

Question: My employee recently resigned from her position. We offer active employees one floating holiday per year. The…

Human Resources | Workforce

Drug Testing in the Workplace: What HR Needs to Know

Drug and alcohol testing can be an important tool for keeping the workplace safe, productive, and compliant with…