Human Resource Functional Assessments

Taking an in-depth look at your organization’s human resources function reaps many rewards for your organization—from greater efficiency to improved teamwork and a more positive overall work environment.  The assessment includes:

  • Reviewing HR Department structure, policies, procedures and workflows
  • Drafting a written report with findings and recommendations
  • Providing a roadmap for implementation to streamline processes and align HR with organizational strategy

Contact Macdonald & Associates for a written proposal for your organization’s HR functional assessment.

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HR/Personnel Policies & Procedures

Updating HR policies and procedures or drafting new ones can be a daunting and time-consuming task.  In addition, it is essential that such policies and procedures do not conflict with each other or with what actually happens in practice in your organization.  Scott’s background as an employment attorney and human resources professional makes him well-suited to draft the full panoply of essential HR/personnel policies and procedures that are easy for employees and supervisors to understand and follow.  The process includes:

  • Reviewing existing HR policies and procedures for compliance, completeness, and consistency
  • Providing written recommendations for updates, revisions, additions, etc.
  • Providing a Master HR Policy Manual with required and recommended policies and procedures
  • Optional rollout and training for your management team

Employee Handbooks

No two employers are alike, and there is no cookie-cutter template for creating a well-crafted handbook. Macdonald & Associates has extensive experience drafting customized employee handbooks--tailored to your organization's unique culture--that foster employee engagement and serve as a valuable resource for employees and supervisors alike. Our handbooks do more than simply set forth or summarize your organization’s HR policies and procedures. They have many other purposes, including:

  • Supporting and educating employees to successfully perform their jobs
  • Expressing your organizational values, as well as the value your organization places on its employees
  • Setting forth "model" behaviors and performance expectations
  • Portraying your employer "brand" to current and prospective employees as a desirable place to work
  • Providing valued markers to encourage employee alignment with HR/organizational objectives and desired culture
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FMLA Leave Administration Consulting and Training

Scott is a nationally recognized expert on the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, providing pragmatic advice to employers nationwide since the law was enacted.  He has worked directly with the U.S. Department of Labor on the federal FMLA regulations and other official FMLA guidance, and assisted the Wage and Hour Division in redesigning the FMLA notices and forms that were issued in 2020.  Since 2009, Scott has presented numerous training workshops at national and state conferences, as well as for individual employers, on regulatory compliance and best practices in FMLA leave administration. 

More FMLA Consulting Information

In October 2020, Scott published the book Family and Medical Leave Act Compliance Manual, A Practical Guide to FMLA Leave Administration for School Districts, the definitive guide to FMLA leave management for school systems nationwide.  The book is available through the American Association of School Personnel Administrators: Visit AASPA Website

FMLA Management Software: Scott also co-founded eFMLA, Inc., which offers the nation’s premier online FMLA management software solution.  

Visit www.efmla.com for more information.

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FMLA Group Training

Macdonald & Associates offers dedicated group FMLA Leave Administration Training for HR staff who manage FMLA leave requests, as well as for supervisory employees regarding their respective roles and responsibilities in the FMLA management process. 

Please click the button below to learn more and to request a quote for your organization's FMLA training needs.

More FMLA Training Information
Learn About the FMLA Institute
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Job Descriptions

Well-written job descriptions are indispensable for performance management and organizational effectiveness. They also must take into account the FMLA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, workers' compensation and other workplace employment laws.  Among other things, elements of sound job descriptions include:

  • A concise, clear summary of the job’s primary purpose
  • A list of the essential functions of the position
  • The knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions
  • Qualifications profile (e.g., education, training, experience) Critical work and reporting relationships Physical, mental, sensory and environmental requirements of the job; and

Macdonald & Associates has extensive experience developing customized job descriptions that reflect the work that needs to get done in your organization and are consistent with employers' obligations under the FMLA, the ADA, EEO laws, the FLSA, and workers' compensation laws.  Let us assist you with composing your complete library of updated job descriptions!

Workplace Investigations

Ideally, matters involving employee performance or workplace conduct can be addressed internally by your organization’s HR department management team.  On occasion, however, it may be advisable to involve a trained, experienced outside investigator to conduct a workplace investigation into issues such as:

  • Allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment or workplace bullying
  • Claims of policy violations
  • Alleged workplace misconduct
  • Claims of management

Macdonald & Associates has conducted numerous workplace investigations for employers in both the public and private sectors with a proven track record of objectivity and positive results.  The thorough investigations include interviewing all potential witnesses, examining all relevant documentary evidence, and issuing a comprehensive written report with (a) Findings of Fact, (b) Practical Analysis/Conclusions, and (c) Recommendations for resolution.  Macdonald & Associates also has been retained by law firms in Connecticut to handle investigations for the law firm’s clients while maintaining the attorney/client privilege. 

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Employee and Labor Relations

As both the head of Human Resources and as an HR management consultant, Scott has successfully handled scores of employee relations issues, helping improve performance, correct behaviors and prevent further problems.  Scott also is available to conduct management/supervisory training on best practices in handling employee relations issues, harassment prevention, conflict resolution, building workplace morale, and employee engagement, among other topics.

As a former attorney for the National Labor Relations Board, Scott understands the intricacies of labor relations law.  Scott also has served as the chief negotiator for school districts and private sector employers in Connecticut.  He is well-versed in handling all aspects of labor relations (e.g., collective bargaining, grievances, arbitration hearings), with great attention to detail and a proven track record of successful outcomes.

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