HR Compliance Bootcamp: Massachusetts Edition

Understanding Employer Obligations for Wages, Overtime, and Fair Labor Practices in Massachusetts

This session provides an overview of Massachusetts wage and hour regulations, including minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and recordkeeping requirements. Attendees will learn how to comply with state labor standards, avoid common violations, and ensure fair compensation practices for all employees.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

•  Identify key components of Massachusetts wage and hour laws, including minimum wage and overtime thresholds
• Explain how Massachusetts wage laws differ from federal standards and their impact on employer practices
• Calculate overtime and meal break requirements using real-world payroll examples
• Examine payroll practices to identify and correct potential wage and hour compliance issues

Navigating Legal Requirements for Employing Minors in Massachusetts: Permits, Hours, and Protections

Designed for employers who hire minors, this session outlines the legal requirements for youth employment in Massachusetts. Topics include work permits, hour restrictions, prohibited job duties, and employer responsibilities to ensure a safe and compliant workplace for workers under 18.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• List the legal working hours and job restrictions for minors under Massachusetts law
• Describe the steps required to obtain and verify youth work permits
• Develop a compliant schedule for a minor employee based on school and work hour limits
• Assess your organization’s youth employment practices for compliance and risk exposure

A Practical Guide to PFML Compliance: Eligibility, Benefits, and Employer Responsibilities

This session explains the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave law, including eligibility criteria, types of covered leave, application processes, and employer obligations. Participants will gain clarity on coordinating PFML with other leave types, navigating complex leave requests, and supporting employees through their leave periods.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Define the types of leave covered under the Massachusetts PFML program
• Summarize the eligibility criteria and application process for PFML benefits
• Coordinate PFML with other employer-provided leave policies, such as PTO or FMLA
• Review case studies to evaluate proper employer response and documentation handling

Managing Employee Leave in Massachusetts: Earned Sick Time, Domestic Violence Leave, and Small Necessities Leave

Explore the lesser-known but essential Massachusetts leave laws, including Earned Sick Time (EST), leave for victims of domestic violence, and the Small Necessities Leave Act (SNLA). This session will help employers understand when and how to apply these leave provisions in the workplace, exploring concurrent leaves and appropriate documentation.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Identify the legal provisions under EST, Domestic Violence Leave, and SNLA
• Explain when and how each type of leave should be applied to employee situations
• Create a leave policy outline that incorporates all three MA-specific leave types
• Critique your current leave policies to determine gaps or inconsistencies with state law

Conducting Legal Background Checks in Massachusetts: CORI Access, Disclosures, and Best Practices

This session covers how to conduct background checks in accordance with Massachusetts law, with a focus on Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) regulations. Attendees will learn about proper authorization, look-back period, disclosure requirements, record handling, and recent updates in CORI compliance. You’ll utilize this information to make employment decisions.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Understand the steps required to conduct a compliant CORI background check
• Describe the rules around disclosures, adverse action, and record retention under CORI
• Implement a compliant background check workflow within the hiring process
• Assess current background check procedures against CORI and EEOC guidance

Employer Responsibilities and Claims Process Under the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation System

Gain an understanding of the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system, including coverage requirements, claims processes, and employer responsibilities following a workplace injury. The session emphasizes how to manage claims effectively while maintaining compliance and supporting injured employees. Explore how to handle fraudulent claims and employees who may not be able to return from workers comp.

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Define the purpose and coverage requirements of the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation law
• Explain the employer’s responsibilities in responding to workplace injuries
• Outline the steps to properly file and manage a workers’ compensation claim
• Review sample injury reports to determine compliance failures and recommend improvements