Human Resource Specialist at “State of Estates” estate planning firm

You are a first-year Human Resource Specialist at “State of Estates” estate planning firm.  Norman is the mid-level manager responsible for the southern regional office.  The following events have recently occurred in Norman’s office:

• Ken, an estate planner in Norman’s office, recently adopted a baby with his wife. He applied for 12-week family leave, but was denied by Norman because his wife did not physically give birth.  The corporate human resource department (where you work) was not given notice of this decision.

• June, part of the full-time housekeeping staff, has been asking other employees if they would like to join a union. There are currently no unions within the organization.

• Maria is concerned about ladders that are placed around the office for remodeling. Norman said not to worry, and that there are no official policies for safety in an office setting.

Prepare 15- to 20-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation with speaker notes responding to Norman from a Human Resource standpoint.  The presentation should address the following topics:

• An overview of the FMLA and its key provisions relating to Ken.

• Recommended resolution for Ken’s situation (both for Ken as an employee and as a company handling these requests moving forward).

• An overview of key labor laws to briefly educate Norman on employee rights in unionizing.

• A brief discussion of OSHA and possible application to Norman’s office setting.