The Texas Attorney General has joined with two other companies in filing a lawsuit against the City of Dallas to stop the Dallas Paid Sick Leave ordinance.  While there is not a decision yet regarding the lawsuit, the City of Dallas Paid Sick Leave became effective on August 1, 2019. Penalties will not be assessed until April 1, 2020, giving employers time to set up policies. However, the City of Dallas will enforce the anti-retaliation provisions immediately.  ​

There are many things a Company can do to provide a great workplace for employees.  Having policies and documentation are two processes that will save time, money and headaches.

• Policies – Creating policies, along with an Employee Handbook, provides structure, consistency and ensures that employees understand the culture and expectations of the Company.  An Employee Handbook is the most effective way to keep Human Resource policies in one document and easy to find.  Employee Handbooks define the Company’s culture, expectations, policies, as well as many other employment practices in the Company. Even if only one employee works for the Company, it is an essential document to provide employees and request their acknowledgement that they read the Employee Handbook.
• Document, Document and Document – Conversations with an employee regarding their employment and performance should always be documented so a clear record of the conversation is established. The documentation may be for performance improvement, change in job duties, or other employment actions. Documentation also prevents deviations from policies, creates a record of the conversation, next steps, employee’s response and an action plan. By documenting employment conversations, it helps management explain the employment action, notifies the employee of expectations and helps to ensure fair treatment for all employees. One note on documentation—always be objective and do not include personal opinions. Focus on the employment action. 

With 2020 Annual Enrollment around the corner, below are the most frequently offered benefits for businesses with fewer than 50 employees; 

• Over 65% of companies offer paid time off for Holidays and Vacation 
• More than 55% of companies offer paid time off for Sick Leave
• 51% offer a Medical plan for employees
• Life Insurance is offered by 35% of the companies
• Short Term Disability benefits are offered by 25% and Long-Term Disability benefits are offered by 21%.

More detailed survey data can be found at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2018/the-benefits-of-working-for-a-small-business.htm